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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is set to make a significant clemency announcement on Juneteenth in Newark. The initiative is expected to impact thousands of individuals who have served time or are currently in the system.
Murphy stated that those convicted of crimes that are no longer considered illegal would be eligible for clemency. The Governor described the upcoming announcement as a significant step towards justice and equity in New Jersey.
The clemency initiative will include the appointment of an advisory board to consider individual applications and identify categories for pardon and commutation applications. The Governor's office will launch a website, nj.gov/clemency, to provide information and forms related to the initiative.
"This will be a game-changer. This will transform people's lives," Murphy said. He also mentioned that an independent commission would be set up to assist him with a rigorous process filled with checks and balances.
The announcement will be made at the Saint James A.M.E. Church in Newark on Juneteenth, a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States. The initiative is part of Murphy's broader commitment to empowering communities of color across New Jersey and uplifting individuals previously involved in the criminal justice system.