Laws of the New Jersey Colony (1683)

The Fundamental Constitutions (1683)

Drafted by Lords Berkeley and Carteret, it created:

• A Governor and Council (appointed by proprietors)
• An elected Assembly of free men with lawmaking power
• Religious freedom for all settlers—rare for the era, attracting persecuted groups

Early Statutes (1683)

• Law Against Drunkenness
• Law Against Profanity
• Law Against Theft
• Law Against Murder
• Law Against Adultery

These reflected a desire for moral order and citizen protection in the proprietary colony.