Today’s vote by the state Assembly follows Monday’s vote by the state Senate. Once Governor Jon Corzine signs this into law — which he will do, because he’s opposed to the death penalty — New Jersey will become the first state to abolish the death penalty since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated it in 1976 (though a number of states have imposed moratoriums on executions). (more…)
Why the Death Penalty Does Matter (Even in New Jersey and California)
The New Jersey Legislature is considering whether to abolish the state’s death penalty — which on the face of it seems hardly worth mentioning, since there are only 8 men on New Jersey’s Death Row and the state hasn’t executed anybody since 1963.
But here’s why it matters (and the death penalty is worth keeping): (more…)
New Jersey to Abolish Death Penalty?
The New Jersey Senate voted today to abolish the state’s death penalty, replacing it with a life sentence without chance of parole. If the Assembly voted the same way, Governor Jon Corzine is expected to sign the bill into law.
To put this in perspective, though, there are currently eight men on New Jersey’s Death Row, and the state hasn’t executed anybody since 1963.
