What counts as hazing in Arizona

The definition

Arizona's hazing law is A.R.S. § 13-1215, known as Jack's Law. It says a person commits hazing by causing, coercing or forcing a minor or student to go through any of the following, in connection with pledging, initiation, holding office, joining, or keeping or raising their membership or status in a group (A.R.S. § 13-1215(A)):

Sexual humiliation or brutality, including being forced to be naked.
Conduct reasonably calculated to cause severe mental distress, including pushing someone to harm themselves or others.
Eating, drinking or taking food, liquid, alcohol, drugs or other substances that pose a substantial risk of death, injury or emotional harm.
Being restrained, confined in a small space, or kept from sleep for a significant time.
Criminal conduct that poses a substantial risk of death or injury.
Physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, paddling, branding or electric shocking, harmful substances put on the body, excessive exercise, or exposure to the elements.

The law covers conduct that is done intentionally, knowingly or recklessly. The group does not have to call it hazing, and the student does not have to say no.

Which groups are covered

The statute applies to fraternities, sororities, clubs, bands, spirit groups, athletic teams and similar groups whose members are mostly current or former high school or college students (A.R.S. § 13-1215(G)). See also hazing in high schools and on athletic teams.

What isn't hazing

The law excludes reasonable and customary athletic, law enforcement or military training, contests, competitions or events (A.R.S. § 13-1215(B)). School hazing policies also exclude lawful curriculum and extracurricular activities (A.R.S. § 15-2301). Brutality, forced drinking and sexual humiliation are not customary training.

Consent and tradition are not defenses

The criminal statute says the victim's consent, whether implied or expressed, is not a defense. Neither is the fact that the group or the school approved the conduct, or that it was traditional and customary (A.R.S. § 13-1215(E)). Going along with it isn't agreeing to it.

Planning or helping is also a crime

Planning hazing, or helping someone else carry it out, is a separate offense (A.R.S. § 13-1216). A person who renounces the plan in writing or actively stops it has a defense.

Getting help

Arizona protects people who seek help. Someone who takes a student to a hospital or campus security, or who reports the emergency in good faith, cannot be charged with hazing based only on evidence that came from seeking help. To be protected, the person has to give their name and location, stay with the student and cooperate with responders (A.R.S. § 13-1215(C)). This protection does not cover evidence police already had (A.R.S. § 13-1215(D)).

The penalties

Hazing is a class 1 misdemeanor. It is a class 4 felony if it causes a death (A.R.S. § 13-1215(F)). A civil claim is separate from any criminal case and does not wait for one. See your rights after hazing in Arizona.

Federal rules for colleges

The Stop Campus Hazing Act, signed in December 2024, requires colleges that take part in federal student aid to publish a hazing transparency report of findings against student organizations. See what Arizona universities have published.

Quick answers

Does hazing have to be on purpose?

No. Arizona law covers hazing done intentionally, knowingly or recklessly (A.R.S. § 13-1215(A)).

Does it matter where the hazing happens?

The law looks at why it happened, which is joining or staying in a group, and not at where (A.R.S. § 13-1215(A)).

Is consent a defense to hazing in Arizona?

No. The student's consent, whether implied or expressed, is not a defense. Neither is approval by the group or school, or the fact that it was "traditional and customary" (A.R.S. § 13-1215(E)).

Sources

More about hazing law in Arizona

Updated October 8, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and the right answer depends on the facts.