State v. Hackett

STEINBERG, J.A.D.,

concurring in part; dissenting in part.

I respectfully dissent from that portion of the opinion that reverses defendant’s conviction for third-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The majority concludes that the State did not present any evidence that defendant’s conduct would tend to impair or debauch the morals of a child as is required to convict under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4(a). Like its predecessor, N.J.S.A. 2A:96-3, the statute is designed to protect children under the age of sixteen. State v. White, 105 N.J.Super. 234, 236, 251 A.2d 766 (App.Div.), certif. denied, 54…