NEWARK, NJ (CBS) – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a historic clemency initiative on Wednesday. The new program will allow some young and non-violent offenders, along with victims of domestic violence and others, to apply to leave prison early.
The program is designed to address mass incarceration, racial injustice and parole rules that make it difficult for people to get a fresh start when they leave prison, supporters said. A clemency committee will review petitions and make recommendations to Murphy on pardons and commutations.
Cases in which a faster pardon might be considered?
- Non-violent convictions if the convicted person has remained free from involvement with the justice system for a ‘sufficient period of time’.
- People serving sentences that reflect excessive trial punishment.
- Victims of domestic or sexual violence who are in prison for a crime against the perpetrator.
Murphy announced the order at Saint James AME Church in Newark. He noted the importance of announcing this on Juneteenth, saying it is a commitment to making these decisions in a responsible and equity-based way.
“As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on our nation’s continued journey toward racial justice for Black and brown Americans, I am proud to sign this executive order to help address the inequality and unfairness in our legal system in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “This new clemency initiative is a cornerstone of our government’s efforts to make New Jersey the State of Second Chances.”
“Making an announcement of this magnitude in a Black Methodist church on Juneteenth is especially important. Saint James believes with all his heart that everyone has sinned and fallen short, but there is room and appropriateness for forgiveness, love and mercy,” said Pastor Ronald Slaughter. the Senior Pastor of Saint James AME Church. “On this day that celebrates freedom, the Governor’s initiative affirms that forgiveness, love and mercy are alive in this state, paving the way for a more just and inclusive future for all.”
The board consists of a designee from the attorney general, along with public members from various backgrounds.
The board:
- Chairman: Justin Dews, advisor at King & Spalding
- Attorney General Designate: Michael Zuckerman, Deputy Attorney General
- Audience member: Jessica Henry, professor of justice studies at Montclair State University
- Public Member: Bishop Joshua Rodriguez, bishop and founder of Cityline Church and Police Chaplin at the Jersey City Police Department
- Public Member: JoEllyn Jones, founder of Jones & Ortiz PA
- Public Member: Ed Neafsey, adjunct professor at Rutgers Law School – Newark
“In New Jersey, we believe in second chances and giving our residents every opportunity to succeed,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Governor Murphy’s creation of a Clemency Advisory Board and his plan to ensure expeditious consideration of a wide range of high-value candidates demonstrate this administration’s commitment to these principles.”
“Clemency provides an opportunity for individuals to accept responsibility for their actions and to learn, grow and become contributing members of society again,” said Corrections Commissioner Victoria Kuhn.
New Jersey has launched a website where people can access the executive branch’s clemency application materials. Applications can be submitted online or by post.
Murphy had not granted any clemency requests since taking office in 2018.
