GOVERNOR MURPHY LAUNCHES HISTORIC CLEMENCY INITIATIVE

The Governor was joined by Saint James A.M.E. Church Pastor Ronald Slaughter, Lieutenant Governor Way, REFORM Alliance Co-Chair Robert “Meek Mill” Williams, REFORM Alliance Chief Marketing Officer Wallace “Wallo267” Peeples, ACLU of New Jersey Executive Director Amol Sinha, and Incoming Chair of the Clemency Advisory Board Justin Dews.

Executive Order No. 362, which Governor Murphy signed, sets out certain categories of pending or future clemency applications that will receive expedited review during the Murphy Administration. For example, individuals may receive expedited consideration for pardons for certain non-violent convictions if they have remained free from justice system involvement for sufficient time. Other examples of those receiving expedited consideration include individuals who are serving sentences that reflect an excessive trial penalty, and victims of domestic or sexual violence or sex trafficking who are incarcerated for committing a crime against the perpetrator. The fundamental goal underlying this initiative is to provide relief from inequities that have existed and been perpetuated in the criminal legal system.

The Executive Order also establishes a Clemency Advisory Board, which will be responsible for reviewing each clemency application and making recommendations to the Governor. The board will be the first of its kind in state history and will ensure that the Governor’s decisions regarding pardons and commutations are informed by the advice of individuals with diverse experiences and expertise relating to criminal justice and clemency.

“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. Today, we pledge to take a responsible and equity-driven approach to pardons and commutations that will prioritize the most compelling cases.”

In addition to the Executive Order signing, the state launched a website to serve as a home base for those seeking more information on the Governor’s executive clemency initiative. The website, nj.gov/clemency, also provides attorneys and those representing themselves access to application materials for executive clemency.