Peeping Tom laws—also known as voyeurism laws or invasion of privacy laws—generally make it illegal and a criminal offense to peek into windows or doors on private property to view a person who is fully or partially naked for the purpose of sexual desire or gratification.
Peeping Tom laws vary from state to state and some states require that the victim not realize he or she was being viewed and that the victim had a reasonable expectation of privacy (was in a place where it was reasonable to expect privacy). And some states specifically address the use of unmanned aircraft (drones), cameras, video cameras, and binoculars in connection with such peeping. Some state statutes specifically prohibit peeking into bathrooms, dressing rooms, showers, and baths. And some states characterize this criminal offense as trespassing with the intent to peer or peep.
Peeping Tom laws are located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.
In New Jersey, Peeping Tom laws are addressed under the state's invasion of privacy statutes. New Jersey law makes it a criminal offense to observe another person without their consent in a place where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as a bathroom, dressing room, or bedroom. This includes observing or recording someone who is undressing, using the bathroom, or engaging in sexual contact. The use of devices like cameras, binoculars, or drones to invade someone's privacy in this manner is also prohibited. Additionally, New Jersey law criminalizes trespassing with the intent to engage in an invasion of privacy. These offenses can range from disorderly persons offenses to more serious indictable crimes, depending on the circumstances and the degree of invasion of privacy involved.