Gov. Phil Murphy announces new clemency program on Juneteenth
Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey initiated a clemency program on Juneteenth aimed at reforming the criminal justice system, specifically targeting mass incarceration and racial injustice. The program will enable young and nonviolent offenders, as well as victims of domestic violence, to apply for early release from prison. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment towards building a system equipped for second chances, particularly focusing on the most urgent cases. This move is seen as a step toward achieving racial justice, recognizing the disproportionate impact of harsh parole regulations on Black and Brown communities. Murphy, along with Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way and other supporters, including civil rights organizations, highlighted the program as foundational to giving residents a chance to reintegrate into society equitably. The response from state Democrats has been positive, whereas the Republicans have remained mostly unresponsive.
Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) is using this Juneteenth holiday to seek out criminal justice reform. The governor issued an executive order to create a new clemency program, which will allow some young and nonviolent offenders, along with domestic violence victims and others, to apply to leave prison early.
The program aims to address mass incarceration, racial injustice, and parole rules that make it difficult for people to get a new start when they leave prison, supporters said. A clemency board will review petitions and make recommendations to Murphy.
“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,” Murphy said in a statement.
“This new clemency initiative is a cornerstone of our Administration’s efforts to make New Jersey the State of Second Chances. Today, we pledge to take a responsible and equity-driven approach to pardons and commutations that will prioritize the most compelling cases,” the Democratic governor added.
Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who is black, also weighed in.
“In the spirit of Juneteenth, today we take another step forward in the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America,” Way said. “Too many people have been failed by our criminal justice system. The signing of this Executive Order provides second chances for our society and those who receive clemency. I am proud to see our state build upon our efforts for a progressive criminal justice system that truly ensures justice for all.”
State Democrats and civil rights organizations lauded Murphy’s decision, while state Republicans stayed largely silent.
In NJ, we believe in second chances and giving our residents every opportunity to succeed.
@GovMurphy‘s creation of a Clemency Advisory Board and plan to ensure expedited consideration for many worthy applicants demonstrates this administration’s commitment to those principles. https://t.co/a1cmHFHQSI— Attorney General Matt Platkin (@NewJerseyOAG) June 19, 2024
“Clemency is about more than mercy — it can be a tool to end mass incarceration,” American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey Executive Director Amol Sinha said. “We built The Clemency Project to ensure we don’t leave any stone unturned in the pursuit of justice. I am grateful to Governor Murphy for embracing categorical clemency as a way to address injustices in the criminal legal system. We look forward to seeing the Governor fully exercise his executive power by pardoning and commuting the sentences of scores of people before the end of his term, demonstrating that New Jersey prioritizes people over punishment.”
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Rapper Meek Mill and social media influencer Wallo267 joined Murphy in Newark as he announced the initiative.
With the launch of our historic clemency initiative, we are changing the lives of thousands of individuals who deserve a second chance.
Thank you, @MeekMill and @Wallo267, for joining us in Newark today. I know this is deeply personal for both of you. pic.twitter.com/VCoN5MKoLd
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 19, 2024
The United States has over a million people in state prisons in 2024 and more than 750,000 in local jails along with federal prisons and jails.
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