Senator Michael Testa has criticized Governor Phil Murphy’s reported plan to issue an executive order allowing individuals convicted of serious crimes to serve on juries. The New Jersey Legislature previously rejected this proposal in 2023.
“Once again, Governor Murphy is attempting to impose his personal agenda by executive fiat after the people’s representatives clearly said no,” said Senator Testa. “This proposal was debated and rejected by the Legislature, yet the Governor now appears determined to circumvent that decision in the final days of his administration.”
Testa argued that the governor does not have legal authority to change jury eligibility standards, which are set in state law. “Clemency exists to lessen punishment imposed on an individual,” Testa said. “The exclusion of convicted criminals from jury service is not a punishment at all – it is a policy judgment designed to protect the integrity, impartiality, and public credibility of the judicial system. Any impact on offenders is incidental to that goal, not punitive in nature, and therefore well outside the constitutional scope of the Governor’s clemency power.”
He added: “The separation of powers matters. The Governor does not get to override the Legislature simply because he disagrees with its judgment. If this reckless policy could not pass through the democratic process, it should not be imposed by executive decree.”
Testa emphasized that serving on a jury requires trust in law and respect for justice: “Individuals convicted of serious crimes broke the social contract that binds our society together,” Testa continued. “Serving on a jury is not a right, privilege, or entitlement. Rather, it is a profound civic duty – and one that is not to be conferred lightly. The solemn power to sit in judgment of others under the law should not be entrusted to those who have shown a willingness to violate it.”
He also criticized Murphy’s priorities as his term ends: “Even as his tenure comes to an end, Governor Murphy continues to side with criminals over law-abiding citizens,” Testa said. “New Jersey families deserve a justice system that puts public safety, accountability, and respect for the law first – not one that elevates the rights of convicted felons above those of victims and everyday citizens.”
Testa called for Murphy to drop this proposal and respect legislative decisions.
State Senator Anthony M. Bucco serves as Senate Republican Leader representing New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District and chairs key committees such as Judiciary and Budget & Appropriations according to information available on his official website. He represents communities including Bernardsville Borough, Boonton Town and Denville Township while participating actively in sponsoring legislation related to state issues.
