Governor Murphy Launches Clemency Initiative
NEWARK – Governor Phil Murphy announced plans to issue pardons and commutations using best practices, including expedited consideration for certain clemency applications. Executive Order No. 362, signed today, sets categories of pending or future clemency applications that will receive expedited review during the Murphy Administration.
Individuals may receive expedited consideration for pardons for certain non-violent convictions if they have remained free from justice system involvement for a sufficient time. Other examples include individuals serving sentences reflecting an excessive trial penalty and victims of domestic or sexual violence or sex trafficking incarcerated for committing a crime against their perpetrator. The initiative aims to address inequities in the criminal legal system.
The Executive Order also establishes a Clemency Advisory Board responsible for reviewing each clemency application and making recommendations to the Governor. This board is the first of its kind in state history and will ensure informed decisions regarding pardons and commutations.
“As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on our nation’s ongoing journey toward racial justice for Black and Brown Americans, I am proud to sign this Executive Order to help address inequities and unfairness in our system of justice in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “This new clemency initiative is a cornerstone of our Administration’s efforts to make New Jersey the State of Second Chances.”
"In the spirit of Juneteenth, today we take another step forward in the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America," said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way.
New Jersey’s Constitution gives the Governor broad discretion to issue pardons and commutations for state criminal convictions. Each applicant will receive individualized consideration by the Clemency Advisory Board, which includes a designee of the Attorney General and public members with diverse backgrounds.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin praised the initiative: “In New Jersey, we believe in second chances and giving our residents every opportunity to succeed.”
Corrections Commissioner Victoria Kuhn emphasized rehabilitation: "Clemency offers a chance for individuals to accept responsibility for their actions."
Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti supported the initiative: “This stands as a beacon of hope for those affected.”
Terry Schuster, New Jersey’s Corrections Ombudsperson, noted that it would ease prison conditions: “Governor Murphy’s announcement today clears the path for people who can safely return home.”
NJ State Parole Board Chairman Samuel J. Plumeri Jr., Reverend Ronald Slaughter, Robert “Meek Mill” Williams from REFORM Alliance, Justin Dews (incoming Chair of the Clemency Advisory Board), Amol Sinha from ACLU New Jersey, Senate President Nick Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, Senator Nellie Pou (Chair of Legislative Latino Caucus), Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (Chair of Legislative Black Caucus), Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples from REFORM Alliance, Jessica Jackson from REFORM Alliance, former Governor James McGreevey from NJ Reentry Corporation, Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer from Salvation & Social Justice, Yannick Wood from New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Celeste Trusty from FAMM, Marta Nelson from Vera Institute of Justice, Lisa Monet Wayne from National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), Charlene Walker from Faith in New Jersey, Edwin Ortiz from Returning Citizens Support Group all expressed support or provided comments on this initiative.
To view Executive Order No. 362 click here.
