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Cusseaux v. Pickett

New Jersey Superior Court

652 A.2d 789 (1994)

Facts

Jean Marie Cusseaux (plaintiff) lived with Wilson Pickett, Jr. (defendant) for 10 years. Cusseaux alleged that Pickett was physically abusive and that he had a pattern of violent behavior. Cusseaux further alleged that Pickett’s acts of abuse and violence were numerous and that she had to seek medical attention multiple times. Cusseaux alleged that on different occasions Pickett broke her nose with his fists and threw objects at her such as heavy kitchen pots, large dishes, and a gallon container of bleach. Pickett’s final assault allegedly caused Cusseaux finally to end their relationship. Cusseaux then sued Pickett, alleging that she suffered the condition of battered-woman’s syndrome, which includes serious personal and emotional injuries that require medical or other attention. Pickett denied the allegations and filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action, arguing that New Jersey does not recognize battered-woman’s syndrome as an affirmative cause of action.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Napolitano, J.)

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