Penal Law § 120.17

Hazing in the second degree  ·  as in force on May 31, 2026

§ 120.17 Hazing in the second degree.

A person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when, in the course of another person's initiation or affiliation with any organization, he intentionally or recklessly engages in conduct, including, but not limited to, making physical contact with or requiring physical activity of such other person, which creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such other person or a third person.

Hazing in the second degree is a violation.

Official sourcehttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PEN/120.17

In plain English

A person commits second-degree hazing during another person’s initiation or affiliation with an organization by intentionally or recklessly using conduct—including physical contact or required physical activity—that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to that person or someone else. ★ It is a violation.

Marked in the text: penalties, time limits, sums of money. Editorial emphasis added by this edition; it does not appear in the statute as enacted.

In print

This provision appears in Volume 4 — The Court Clerk: Penal Law; Volume 1 — The Court Officer in Plain English; Volume 3 — The Court Officer: Penal Law; Volume 3 — Your Career: Penal Law in Plain English.