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…
