Decarceration

The ACLU-NJ has made significant progress in decarcerating the Garden State, having been instrumental in New Jersey’s groundbreaking elimination of cash bail and in advocating for the early release of thousands of people nearing the end of prison sentences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The human and financial costs of mass incarceration are staggering, and the burden falls disproportionately on people of color and low-income people. New Jersey has the worst Black-white disparity in incarceration of any state in the country, which makes the need for decarceration even more urgent.

The ACLU-NJ has made significant progress in decarcerating the Garden State, having been instrumental in New Jersey’s groundbreaking elimination of cash bail and in advocating for the early release of thousands of people nearing the end of prison sentences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU-NJ Celebrates Second Round of Releases Under its Clemency Project

Today’s announcement marks 129 people granted clemency under Governor Murphy.
Issue Areas: Decarceration, Criminal Legal System
Press Release
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ACLU-NJ Responds to Gov. Murphy’s 2025 State of the State Address

New Jersey has a powerful history of crafting ambitious public policy to build a better future. We will continue to work with Gov. Murphy and lawmakers at every opportunity to do exactly that.
Issue Areas: Racial & Economic Justice, Immigrants' Rights, Decarceration, Abortion Access
News & Commentary
CLE Webinar 12.18.24 Event graphic

Championing Clemency in New Jersey: A Briefing for Attorneys

Our virtual panel discussion, “Clemency Briefing for Attorneys,” unpacked New Jersey's clemency process, discussed the opportunities created under Executive Order 362, and highlighted best practices for petitioning on behalf of clients who are overdue for relief.
Press Release
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ACLU-NJ Celebrates First Releases from State Prison Under its Clemency Project

The ACLU of New Jersey celebrates the announced release of three people from state prison as the first group to be granted commutations by Governor Murphy under the organization's Clemency Project, an initiative to encourage the use of categorical clemency for the release of groups of people.
Issue Areas: Decarceration, Criminal Legal System, Prisons & Jails
Court Case
Mar 21, 2022

United States v. Lewis

Amicus brief addressing whether prior convictions for possession of substances controlled under state, but not federal, law can serve as enhancements under federal sentencing law.
Court Case
Feb 14, 2022

State v. Mackroy-Davis

Amicus brief addressing the how delays caused by COVID-19 impact the speedy trial provisions of the Criminal Justice Reform Act.
Court Case
Feb 11, 2022

State v. F.E.D.

Amicus brief addressing New Jersey’s compassionate release statute.
Court Case
May 15, 2020

Wragg, et al. v. Ortiz, et al.

Federal habeas class action on behalf of people confined at FCI Fort Dix who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.