Proposed Paterson, N.J., Curfew Could Be 1st in US for Adults

A controversial proposal to impose a two-month curfew in Paterson, N.J., for individuals of all ages after a number of deadly shootings has been drawing fire from civil libertarians, and it appears that city lawmakers may be rethinking it.

The suggested ban on loitering outside between midnight and 7 a.m. is likely to bring a legal challenge if it is imposed, according to the ACLU of New Jersey. Violators could be fined as much as $2,000 and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail under the municipal ordinance, if it is enacted, reports the Newark Star-Ledger in an article that also relies on information from the Associated Press.

At last report, however, the proposed curfew had been removed from the agenda for an upcoming city council meeting.

Experts say it apparently might be the first municipal curfew in the United States for adults, if Paterson proceeds with the proposal. The city mayor has said the curfew would make it easier for police to question individuals on the street.

Earlier related coverage:

ABAJournal.com: "Injunctions to Curtail Citizen Activities?"

ABAJournal.com: "Suit Filed over ‘Gated Community’ Created by Police Barricades"

Updated at 5:15 p.m. to include additional information from now-combined Associated Press and Newark Star-Ledger article.