Bill > SR108

Introduced Session

This Senate resolution encourages residents of New Jersey to treat one another civilly amid a period of increased political violence in this country. There are rules of civility that allow us to live peacefully within society. The Greek Philosopher Aristotle saw civility as a form of friendship and believed that humans are capable of promoting another person's interest without regard for their own. The belief in the civility of society has been challenged over recent years as political violence has increased significantly in the United States. Throughout the last two decades, multiple political figures have been attacked, with some attacks causing the injuries and deaths of other people. Data provided by the United States Capitol Police, a law enforcement agency charged with protecting members of Congress, indicates that cases related to "concerning statements and threats" have jumped from 3,939 in 2017 to 9,625 in 2021. New Jersey is not immune from the effects of national political violence. New Jersey is the only State in which all counties are classified as metropolitan areas, creating an abnormally dense population and making it easy to get frustrated, especially while waiting in line or sitting in traffic. In an effort to enrich the lives of residents in this State, impolite and antagonistic behavior should be curtailed without the implementation of new laws. Increased courtesy and respect amongst residents would reduce stress and result in a chain of goodwill that would ripple throughout the stores, streets, and neighborhoods of New Jersey. One of the strengths of our system of government is the ability to debate and disagree while allowing peace to prevail. This must be remembered, along with a charge of civility towards one another. The resolution condemns the attempted assassination of former President Trump and any other political violence, and urges elected leaders in New Jersey and around the country to set examples by treating political opponents with civility and respect.

Committee Categories

Jon Bramnick (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 09/19/2024)

Official Document