1947 – The Modern Constitution of New Jersey Adopted by Constitutional Convention

The 1947 Constitution transformed New Jersey’s government into a modern, streamlined system that remains in effect today. Drafted after World War II, it strengthened the executive branch by granting the governor expanded powers, including the ability to serve consecutive terms and exercise a line-item veto. The document also unified the court system under a single Supreme Court, eliminating the patchwork of overlapping judicial bodies and establishing a more efficient judiciary.

In addition, the constitution modernized local government powers, reinforced civil liberties, and introduced stronger fiscal and administrative controls. It sought to make state government more responsive, accountable, and effective in serving citizens. While retaining the democratic reforms of the 1844 Constitution, it addressed long-standing weaknesses in structure and efficiency.

The 1947 Constitution remains the foundation of New Jersey’s government, embodying principles of strong executive leadership, judicial independence, and modern governance adapted to a growing and diverse state.

Article I

Preamble

A Constitution agreed upon by the delegates of the people of New Jersey, in Convention, begun at Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick, on the twelfth day of June, and continued to the tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-seven.
We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing upon our endeavors to secure and transmit the same unimpaired to succeeding generations, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

Article I. Rights and Privileges.

All persons are by nature free and independent, and have certainnatural and unalienable rights, among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, andof pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.
All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for the protection, security, and benefit of the people, and they havethe right at all times to alter or reform the same, whenever the public good may require it.
No person shall be deprived of the inestimable privilege of worshipping Almighty God in a manner agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; nor under any pretense whatever be compelled to attend any placeof worship contrary to his faith and judgment; nor shall any person be obliged to pay tithes, taxes, or other rates for building or repairing any church or churches, place or places of worship, or for the maintenance of any minister or ministry, contrary to what he believes to be right or has deliberately and voluntarily engaged to perform.
There shall be no establishment of one religious sect in preference to another; no religious or racial test shall be required as a qualification for any office or public trust.
No person shall be denied the enjoyment of any civil or military right,nor be discriminated against in the exercise of any civil or military right, norbe segregated in the militia or in the public schools, because of religious principles, race, color, ancestry or national origin.
Every person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right. No law shall be passed to restrain or abridge the liberty of speech or of the press. In all prosecutions or indictments for libel, the truth may be given in evidence tothe jury; and if it shall appear to the jury that the matter charged as libelous is true, and was published with good motives and for justifiable ends, the party shall be acquitted; and the jury shall have the right to determine the law and the fact.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrant shall issue except upon probable cause, supported by oathor affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the papers and things to be seized.
No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense, unless on the presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases of impeachment, or in cases now prosecuted without indictment, or arising in the army or navy or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger.
The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate; but the Legislature may authorize the trial of civil causes by a jury of six persons when the matter in dispute does not exceed fifty dollars. The Legislature may provide that in any civil cause a verdict may be rendered by not less than five-sixths of the jury. The Legislature may authorize the trial of the issue of mental incompetency without a jury.
In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury; to be informed of the natureand cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor; and to have the assistance of counsel in his defense.
No person shall, after acquittal, be tried for the same offense. All persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is evident or presumption great.
Excessive bail shall not be required, excessive fines shall not be imposed, and cruel and unusual punishments shall not be inflicted.
No person shall be imprisoned for debt in any action, or on any judgement found upon contract, unless in cases of fraud; nor shall any person be imprisoned for a militia fine in time of peace.
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless in case of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.
The military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.
No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner; nor in time of war, except in a manner prescribedby law.
Treason against the State shall consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.
The people have the right freely to assemble together, to consult for the common good, to make known their opinions to their representatives, and to petition for redress of grievances.
Persons in private employment shall have the right to organize andbargain collectively. Persons in public employment shall have the right to organize, present to and make known to the State, or any of its political sub-divisions or agencies, their grievances and proposals through representatives of their own choosing.
Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. Individuals or private corporations shall not be authorized to take private property for public use without just compensation first made to theowners.
This enumeration of rights and privileges shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people.