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
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

Criminal Legal Reform Advocates Applaud NJ’s Technical Parole Reform Legislation

Criminal legal reform advocates applaud the introduction of the Substance Abuse Recovery and Supervision Accountability Act (A6206/S5000) which would ensure that technical parole violations do not automatically lead to people being reincarcerated.
News & Commentary
clemency bill room

For Myrna, Rashon, and So Many Others, Clemency Changed Their Lives

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. 
News & Commentary
Trenton Rally

By the People, For the People

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

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

The ACLU of New Jersey celebrates Governor Murphy’s announcement today of 36 pardons and 19 commutations as part of his commitment to categorical clemency.
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.