Press Releases

The ACLU of New Jersey has media staff to handle inquiries from journalists on issues affecting civil liberties and constitutional freedoms. To schedule an interview with one of our experts, members of the press can call 973-854-1707 or send an email to press@aclu-nj.org. Please include your name, your outlet, your contact information, details about your story, and deadline.

Jun 19, 2024

ACLU-NJ Applauds Gov. Murphy’s Historic Executive Order to Facilitate Categorical Clemency

The ACLU of New Jersey applauds Governor Murphy for today issuing an executive order creating an advisory board to review petitions for pardons and commutations, specifically expediting the process for people who meet specified criteria for consideration.
Issue Areas: Decarceration, Criminal Legal System, Racial & Economic Justice
Apr 23, 2024

More than 50 Groups Urge New Jersey to Expand Jury Service to People with Criminal Convictions

The Jury of Us coalition sent a letter today to Governor Murphy, Senate President Nicholas Scutari, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin urging them to support the passage of A834/S292 without any carve-outs to end prohibiting people with criminal convictions for life from serving on juries.
Issue Areas: Democracy & Civic Engagement, Criminal Legal System, Decarceration
Feb 22, 2024

ACLU-NJ Announces the Launch of The Clemency Project

Governor Murphy has said categorical clemency will have “revolutionary” impact on the state’s criminal legal system
Issue Areas: Decarceration, Racial & Economic Justice, Criminal Legal System
Feb 05, 2024

Policing the Pandemic: COVID-19 Executive Orders Prove Harmful to Communities of Color

ACLU-NJ data analysis reveals clear racial disparities between Black and white communities in the number of police stops for executive order enforcement.
Issue Areas: Police & Law Enforcement, Criminal Legal System
Oct 17, 2023

ACLU-NJ Responds to the U.S. Department of Justice Investigation of the Trenton Police Department 

"We’re pleased that the Department of Justice has agreed to open a pattern or practice investigation, which is an important step toward holding officers accountable to the community they serve."
Issue Areas: Police & Law Enforcement, Criminal Legal System
Jun 28, 2023

ACLU of New Jersey Releases Report, Based on Newly Acquired Statewide Data, with Recommendations to End Mass Incarceration

“Decarcerating New Jersey: A Transformative Vision of Justice” outlines data-driven policy change, calls for the rejection of fearmongering, and details how NJ can continue to be a national leader in decarceration
Issue Areas: Decarceration, Racial & Economic Justice, Criminal Legal System
Jun 20, 2023

Public health & civil rights leaders condemn Senate passage of fentanyl penalty upgrade bill (S-3325)

Earlier today, the New Jersey State Senate approved a bill upgrading fentanyl penalties (S-3325) by a vote of 32-0. Policy experts issued the following statements.
Issue Areas: Drug Decriminalization, Racial & Economic Justice, Criminal Legal System
Jun 08, 2023

New Jersey Appellate Division One of First Courts in Country to Rule on Constitutional Rights Related to Facial Recognition Technologies

The Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey recently affirmed that New Jerseyans have due process rights when they are subjected to the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement.
Issue Areas: Speech, Privacy & Technology, Criminal Legal System, Police & Law Enforcement
Mar 16, 2023

ACLU-NJ Statement in Response to the Release of Najee Seabrooks Body Camera Footage

The disturbing videos put out today reinforce a reality: deep investment in non-law enforcement first responses to mental health calls is an urgent and life-saving need.
Issue Areas: Police & Law Enforcement, Criminal Legal System