Clemency: Another reform triumph for N.J. criminal justice

Countless inmates in New Jersey are serving extreme prison sentences after being offered a plea deal. They rejected the offer and chose to exercise their Sixth Amendment right to a court trial -- only to serve decades longer for trusting their fate to the justice system and prosecutorial discretion.

We especially liked how Murphy addressed his moral obligation as he signed an executive order that launched the initiative at Saint James A.M.E. Church in Newark on Juneteenth: “With their stories in mind. . . .our state is reaching a major milestone in our own journey -- not only for racial justice, but justice for every New Jerseyan.

Indeed, the plea bargain process can be useful, but defense attorneys attest that it can be deeply coercive, and that people should not be subject to punitive extremes just because they rejected it.

Source: Law Daily Report (lawdailyreport.net)

@Nlopinion Phil-Murphy Criminal-Justice Crime Prisons Edna-Mahan ACLU Judiciary @Exmeter @Sub-Group-C @Sub-Group-B @Subscriberexclusive

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

NJ Gov. Murphy to announce new clemency program at Juneteeth eventGovernor Phil Murphy is expected to make an announcement that could impact thousands that have been convicted of crimes that are no longer illegal.
Source: ABC7NY - 🏆 592. / 51 Read more »

Gov. Phil Murphy announces major clemency plan in New JerseyNew Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced a major clemency plan that would wipe out the criminal convictions of thousands of people.
Source: fox5ny - 🏆 587. / 51 Read more »

Gov. Murphy signs executive order to launch historic clemency program in New JerseyNew Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says the move to fix a broken criminal justice system will also ensure justice for all.
Source: 6abc - 🏆 250. / 63 Read more »

Gov. Phil Murphy revamps clemency process in New JerseyNew Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced a new clemency initiative Wednesday he said will reform the state's criminal justice system.
Source: CBSNewYork - 🏆 268. / 63 Read more »

Gov. Phil Murphy touts creation of clemency program on JuneteenthRapper Meek Mill and social media influencer Wallo267 joined Murphy in Newark as he announced the initiative.
Source: dcexaminer - 🏆 6. / 94 Read more »

NJ Gov. Murphy's clemency program to allow early prison release for some offendersNew Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is using the Juneteenth holiday to announce the creation of a clemency program that will allow some young and nonviolent offenders to apply to leave prison early.
Source: FOX29philly - 🏆 570. / 51 Read more »