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P.O. Box 307
Trenton, NJ 08625-0307

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Lunacy/Insanity Proceedings and Non-Criminal Commitments


Researchers should note that lunacy proceedings and commitments to mental health institutions are subject to statutory privacy restrictions. Access to the collections listed on this page is administered accordingly.


See also: Department of Institutions & Agencies (Human Services) - Trenton Psychiatric Hospital
Department of Institutions & Agencies (Human Services) - State Village for Epileptics at Skillman
Department of Institutions & Agencies (Human Services) - New Jersey Neuro-Psychiatric Institute
Department of Institutions & Agencies (Human Services) - Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital
Department of Institutions & Agencies (Human Services) - Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital
Department of Institutions & Agencies (Human Services) - Other State Schools/Developmental Centers

Series:
Atlantic County
Court of Common Pleas
Certificates of Lunacy/Non-Criminal Commitments, 1855-1926
Control #:
CATCP002
Format:
5 c.f. (10 boxes)
Arrangement:
Chronological
Notes:
Includes commitments to psychiatric institutions and other hospitals.
Restrictions:
Some records may be confidential as per NJSA 30:4-24.3
Finding Aid:
Click here!

Series:
Cape May County
Surrogate's Office
Petitions, 1871-1915
Control #:
CCPSU012
Format:
1 reel (35-mm)
Arrangement:
Chronological by filing date
Notes:
Includes petitions for dower rights, guardianship, sale of land, lunacy decrees and inquisitions, etc.
Finding Aid:
Click here!

Series:
Essex County
Court of Common Pleas
Certificates of Lunacy/Non-Criminal Commitments, 1888-1903 and Indexes, 1853-1981
Control #:
CESCP006
Format:
23 reels (35-mm)
Arrangement:
Chronological
Notes:
Includes commitments to psychiatric institutions and other hospitals.
Restrictions:
Some records may be confidential per NJSA 30:4-24.3
Finding Aid:
Click here!

Series:
Hudson County
Clerk's Office
Court of Oyer and Terminer Trial Book [Minutes], 1873-1874
Control #:
CHDCL003
Format:
1 c.f. (1 box)
Arrangement:
Chronological

Series:
Ocean County
Court of Common Pleas
Certificates of Lunacy/Non-Criminal Commitments, 1854-1923
Control #:
COCCP003
Format:
3.5 c.f. (7 boxes)
Arrangement:
chronological
Notes:
Includes commitments to psychiatric institutions and other hospitals. Draft index included.
Restrictions:
Some records may be confidential as per NJSA 30:4-24.3

Series:
Sussex County
Clerk's Office
Orders of Insanity (Lunacy Proceedings), 1834-1928
Control #:
CSUCL008
Format:
1.25 c.f. (3 boxes); 1 reel (35-mm)
Arrangement:
Chronological
Notes:
Filmed records cover 1834-1928; originals cover 1848-1899 and 1919-1949.
Restrictions:
Some records may be confidential per NJSA 30:4-24.3

Series:
Chancery Court
Lunacy Case Files, 1796-1912
Control #:
SCH00020
Format:
47 c.f. (94 boxes)
Notes:
Also called "Lunacy Bundles." Most date prior to 1907.
Restrictions:
Some records may be confidential per NJSA 30:4-24.3


~ The collections listed on this page represent 57.75 c.f. of paper records and 25 reels of microfilm ~

To contact the New Jersey State Archives about research, reference services, records transfers or donations, please email us at njarchives@sos.nj.gov


This page last updated 05/17/2006