News & Commentary

For nearly two years, The Clemency Project has dedicated itself to reducing incarceration in New Jersey while centering racial and social justice. We have witnessed numerous successful re-entry stories following our clients’ releases, demonstrating their transformation and work toward rehabilitation. 

Legislators must pass the People’s Agenda during lame duck to expand and protect the rights of all New Jerseyans.

New Jersey State Prison (NJSP), the oldest operating prison in the United States, has been condemned for over a century. Advocacy groups have called for its closure since 1917 because of its outdated facilities and inhumane conditions.

Lame duck is an opportunity for lawmakers to build a fairer, more equitable future for all New Jerseyans. The ACLU-NJ calls on the Legislature to prioritize these key issues and bills ahead of the Sherrill administration.

Access to counsel should not be hidden behind a paywall.

Pardons represent a crucial part of clemency work because they center rehabilitation and second chances.

When a person’s prison sentence is commuted through clemency, miracles happen for people and their families.

For the city council to address homelessness humanely, members must focus on ensuring easily accessible shelters and resources for those experiencing homelessness, not further criminalizing vulnerable people.

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.