Hazing
NRS 200.605 — a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor with substantial bodily harm, and consent is no defense
Hazing in Nevada is an activity in which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers another's physical health for initiation into, or affiliation with, a student organization, academic association or athletic team at a high school, college or university in the State. It includes physical brutality such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, or forced consumption of food, liquor, drugs or other substances.
| Hazing | Grade |
|---|---|
| HazingNo substantial bodily harm results | GradeMisdemeanor |
| HazingSubstantial bodily harm results | GradeGross misdemeanor |
Consent is not a defense. A victim's consent is not a valid defense. An activity is forced whenever initiation or affiliation is conditioned, directly or indirectly, on taking part.
Sanctioned athletic, curricular, extracurricular or quasi-military practice, conditioning or competition is not hazing. School discipline and civil claims run under other law not reproduced here. Applying the section to a particular event is for a court and a licensed Nevada attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- NRS 200.605 — Hazing: Penalties; definition
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Nevada attorney.