After Murphy, some lawmakers want limits on clemency powers

The former governor issued more than 450 clemencies before leaving office, including some for serious crimes that have drawn lawmakers' ire.

By: Nikita Biryukov

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: January 23, 2026

Words: 741

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 6 days ago

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A trio of Democratic lawmakers want to alter the pardon powers of New Jersey’s governors after Gov. Phil Murphy issued waves of clemencies that lifted sentences for some convicted of serious violent crimes, up to and including murder, shortly before leaving office.

Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and Assemblywomen Margie Donlon (D-Monmouth) and Luanne Peterpaul (D-Monmouth) urged changes to state pardon powers, arguing the wave of state clemencies and alleged abuses at the federal level demanded …

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