ACLU-NJ Celebrates Fifth Round of Releases Under The Clemency Project

The ACLU of New Jersey celebrates Governor Murphy’s announcement today of nine commutations and fifteen pardons, including two of the ACLU-NJ's Clemency Project clients whose sentences will be commuted: David Page and James Scott. Today’s announcement marks a total of 307 people granted clemency under Governor Murphy.

“Witnessing the profound impact clemency has had on our clients has proven without a doubt that second chances should be the standard in New Jersey,” said ACLU-NJ Director of The Clemency Project Rebecca Uwakwe. “Not only are people able to celebrate their individual grants of clemency, but many go on to advocate for others who have been excessively sentenced and lead community work that raises awareness of injustices within the criminal legal system. Rehabilitation and redemption are possible, and by embracing clemency, we can build a stronger, more equitable New Jersey for everyone.”

The Clemency Project is an initiative to encourage the use of categorical clemency to examine holistic injustices that have impacted groups of people and consider relief for each person within the identified class. The ACLU-NJ has represented 90 people, many of whom are still currently incarcerated and petitioning for a commutation. Most clients are survivors of domestic violence or serving sentences impacted by extreme trial penalties – a reference to people who are serving significantly longer sentences because they opted to exercise their constitutional right to a trial rather than agreeing to a prosecutor’s plea offer.

“We know clemency changes lives for the better, and thanks to Governor Murphy, we’re seeing that reality happen for people,” said ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha. “We celebrate these wins while looking toward the future. As we prepare to welcome the Sherrill administration and begin a new legislative session, New Jersey must continue prioritizing decarceration efforts. We have to keep doing this lifechanging work – it is imperative to building a fairer, more just New Jersey.”

The following statements are from ACLU-NJ clients who were granted clemency today:

After being charged with armed robberies, Mr. Page was offered a plea deal of 20 years. He decided to go to trial, where he was sentenced to 50 years. He will be released immediately. “I want to go home and live a productive life. Even though I am older, I want to be there for my family. I want a wife and children. Thank you, Governor Murphy, for this second chance at my life,” said David Page.

Mr. Scott was offered 16 years for his robberies. Instead, he exercised his right to a trial and was charged with an aggregate sentence of 43 years. He will be released immediately. “At this point in my life, clemency is a chance to own my future and dedicate myself to continual service, constant growth, and making positive contributions to society. I thank Governor Murphy for the work you are doing to balance justice with mercy,” said James Scott.