The measles epidemic has developed confrontations between parents, who have sincere and strong convictions against vaccinating their children, usually on religious grounds, and government officials, particularly school administrators. The risk of spreading disease without protection of the population by vaccination is clear, and courts both inside and outside of New Jersey have compelled it over parental objection, or have upheld barring non-vaccinated students from otherwise compelled attendance at school.

In its June 10 published opinion in the case of In re Ca.R and C.R.Jr., the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) obtained court approval to vaccinate children in its care, custody and supervision due to a finding of parental abuse and neglect. The parents objected and the Appellate Division affirmed the judgment.