New Jersey Residents with Past Convictions Now Eligible for Jury Duty
A significant shift has taken place in the Garden State, as Governor Phil Murphy's latest executive order now permits residents with prior convictions to serve on juries. Under state law, individuals convicted of an indictable offense were previously barred from participating in either criminal or civil trials. However, with this new directive, those who have completed their prison sentence, parole, or probation stemming from their convictions will be qualified for jury duty.
According to Murphy's administration, the expansion of jury eligibility is expected to benefit over 350,000 individuals across the state. This move aims to increase diversity among jurors and ultimately strengthen democracy by ensuring that juries better represent the communities they serve.
The new order only applies to those whose convictions occurred prior to January 10th and does not cover federal or other state's law convictions, as well as cases involving treason or impeachment. It is part of Murphy's broader "second chances" agenda, which seeks to provide a more second chance for residents with a criminal record.
Murphy highlighted the significance of jury service as an essential aspect of United States citizenship and democratic self-government. He emphasized that this expanded eligibility will not only contribute to a more inclusive democracy but also help bridge the gap between those who have been incarcerated and their communities.
The executive order is part of Murphy's efforts to provide clemency for residents convicted of crimes, including a recent initiative that has issued 307 pardons or commutations. Prior to this decision, Pennsylvania law prohibited individuals with past convictions from serving as jurors unless they had received a pardon or amnesty.
A significant shift has taken place in the Garden State, as Governor Phil Murphy's latest executive order now permits residents with prior convictions to serve on juries. Under state law, individuals convicted of an indictable offense were previously barred from participating in either criminal or civil trials. However, with this new directive, those who have completed their prison sentence, parole, or probation stemming from their convictions will be qualified for jury duty.
According to Murphy's administration, the expansion of jury eligibility is expected to benefit over 350,000 individuals across the state. This move aims to increase diversity among jurors and ultimately strengthen democracy by ensuring that juries better represent the communities they serve.
The new order only applies to those whose convictions occurred prior to January 10th and does not cover federal or other state's law convictions, as well as cases involving treason or impeachment. It is part of Murphy's broader "second chances" agenda, which seeks to provide a more second chance for residents with a criminal record.
Murphy highlighted the significance of jury service as an essential aspect of United States citizenship and democratic self-government. He emphasized that this expanded eligibility will not only contribute to a more inclusive democracy but also help bridge the gap between those who have been incarcerated and their communities.
The executive order is part of Murphy's efforts to provide clemency for residents convicted of crimes, including a recent initiative that has issued 307 pardons or commutations. Prior to this decision, Pennsylvania law prohibited individuals with past convictions from serving as jurors unless they had received a pardon or amnesty.
I think this is a huge step forward for the state of New Jersey. Having people with past convictions serve on juries can add a whole new layer of perspective and understanding to the community. It's not just about giving them a second chance, it's also about giving the community a more diverse group of jurors who have been through similar experiences. Plus, it's always good to have a more inclusive democracy 
. I'm curious to see how this plays out in practice. Will it lead to more guilty verdicts being overturned due to alternative perspectives from jurors? Only time will tell...
. I mean, who gets a second chance and who doesn't? It's like that old phrase, "you can't keep someone down" 
. I'm all for giving people a shot at redemption. The idea of having 350k more people serve on juries is definitely a step in the right direction 
. And let's be real, it's about time we see some diversity on those jury panels too 
. I mean, who says you can't have a lawyer from Newark or a doctor from Jersey City serving on a jury? 
It's all about representation and making sure our democracy is truly inclusive 
. And Governor Murphy is definitely on the right track with this whole "second chances" thing 
I think its super cool that NJ is doing this 
! It's like, finally giving people a second chance after they've served their time, you know? I think it's dope that they're expanding jury duty to 350k+ ppl who have prior convictions - it's all about diversity and representation 
.
. It's not like they're going to be all crazy and unpredictable or anything 
, they've done their time and are ready to contribute.
. I'm sure it'll help bring more diversity to juries and whatnot. Plus, it's just a matter of fairness, you know? People make mistakes, they pay their time, and then they should be able to serve their community without being held back by their past 
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lol think it's high time those with a record get a second chance to serve their community and all you Philly folks better copy this ASAP, no more PA law holding people back 
gotta give props to Gov Phil for trying to bridge that gap, now we just need more states to follow suit 
.
and now New Jersey is trying to change the game by letting people with prior convictions serve on juries. 
it's all about representation, right? 
1 in 5 jurors will be from diverse backgrounds, which is lit! 
Source needed on how many ppl actually want convicted felons serving on juries? 
Source needed on how this new law addresses those concerns.