New Jersey, nicknamed the Garden State, is a northeastern US state bounded by the State of New York to its north and northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to its east and south, and Delaware and Pennsylvania across the Delaware River to its west. The state was named for the island of Jersey in the English Channel; it was part of New Netherland until the 1630s, when the British took control and renamed it New Jersey. During the American Revolutionary War, the area was the scene of battles at Trenton and Princeton, helping to boost American morale. In 1776 it was admitted to the Union as the third state.
The New Jersey economy is diverse, and it ranks highly for health care and education and offers a variety of recreational activities. The state is also home to the world’s largest stock exchange, the Jersey City skyline, and numerous historic neighborhoods.
Choosing a place to live is an important decision, and New Jersey is a desirable location for many families. It has excellent schools, an abundance of outdoor recreation, and easy access to New York City and Philadelphia. The state has a number of large metropolitan areas, including Newark and Jersey City, with shopping, dining, culture and attractions, and the beach is within an hour’s drive of most locations.
New Jersey is well known for its diverse geography, with four distinct physical regions: the mountainous Ridge and Valley section in the northwest, the Highlands, a southern extension of the Appalachian Mountains; the central Piedmont; and the relatively level Atlantic Coastal Plain. The state is also dotted with lakes and ponds, the most prominent being the Great Bay and the Lake Hopatcong in the northern portion of the state.
In addition to the famous Jersey Shore beaches, there are several other coastal attractions in New Jersey. The Liberty State Park in Jersey City is the site of the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. The beaches of Long Branch and Atlantic City attract millions of visitors each year, while the historic downtowns of Cape May and Asbury Park offer a glimpse into New Jersey’s rich history.
The rights and protections of victims of crime in New Jersey are enshrined in the New Jersey Victims’ Rights Act, which guarantees that all criminal justice proceedings will treat the victim with fairness, compassion and respect. Those who have been victims of crime can request special accommodations for themselves and their families in courtrooms and other public venues.
The Governor of New Jersey may cause an investigation to be made of the conduct of any officer or employee of the State who receives his compensation from the State, except a member of the Legislature or an officer elected by the Senate and General Assembly in joint meeting or a judicial officer. The Governor, after notice, service of charges and opportunity to be heard at public hearing, may remove such officers or employees for cause.