TRENTON, N.J. — Governor Phil Murphy announced Monday that he has granted clemency to 36 individuals, issuing 33 pardons and three commutations in what marks his first use of the gubernatorial pardon power. The move comes as part of a broader initiative to address systemic inequities in the criminal justice system and provide second chances to individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and growth.
“Today, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that New Jersey is the state for second chances,” Governor Murphy said in a statement. “Through our historic clemency initiative, 36 individuals will be granted legal relief, either in the form of a full pardon or by having their criminal sentence commuted. It is my honor to recognize the efforts they have made to prove that, in this country, redemption is achievable.”
The clemency actions follow the establishment of the Clemency Advisory Board, created under Executive Order No. 362, issued on June 19, 2024. This board is the first of its kind in New Jersey’s history and was tasked with reviewing applications for pardons and commutations. The board prioritized cases involving nonviolent offenses, victims of domestic violence or trafficking, and those serving disproportionately long sentences due to “trial penalties” — sentences that far exceed plea deals offered during prosecution…