Governor Phil Murphy has surpassed 200 total grants of clemency, issuing 19 commutations and 29 pardons in his fourth round of executive action. The new milestone brings the total number of pardons and commutations to 217 clemency actions over 16 months.
The move gives individuals with criminal histories a second chance, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration into civil society. Those granted pardons faced convictions for offenses ranging from theft and drug crimes to arson.
Commutations included reduced sentences for serious crimes, including murder and robbery.
Governor Murphy cited the importance of second chances. “As Governor, one of the greatest responsibilities I hold is the ability to extend second chances to individuals who have made a commitment to rehabilitating their lives,” he said in a press release.
According to Patch, the clemency process is guided by New Jersey’s Clemency Advisory Board, established under Executive Order 362 in June 2024. The board reviews applications and makes action-based recommendations, prioritizing cases involving non-violent offenses, sentences that exceed crime severity or abuse victims who committed offenses against their abuser.
Recipients have utilized clemency to rebuild their lives. Some have entered professional fields, while others started businesses—many recipients enter community service to give back.
The announcement coincided with a partnership between the state and Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs. Students participating in the Princeton Clemency Project reviewed cases, conducted interviews and prepared applications to be considered by Governor Murphy.
Officials say the clemency program aims to correct inequities in the criminal justice system while giving individuals a path to productive, law-abiding life.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.