Kim Kardashian influences New Jersey governor to pardon 33 people
- Phil Murphy pardoned 33 individuals and commuted three sentences in New Jersey.
- The event featured Kim Kardashian, who supported the case of Dawn Jackson, whose sentence was commuted.
- Murphy emphasized the importance of second chances and a survivor-centric approach to justice.
In New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy exercised his clemency authority for the first time during his administration by pardoning 33 individuals and commuting the sentences of three women. This action took place during an emotional ceremony and is a reflection of Murphy's broader commitment to addressing past injustices within the state. The event was marked by the presence of Kim Kardashian, who had previously championed the case of one of the women, Dawn Jackson. Jackson, who had been incarcerated since 1999 for murder, had made significant personal progress during her time in prison, obtaining a GED diploma and an associate's degree. Governor Murphy had established a special review board in June to evaluate cases that warranted pardons or commutations. This initiative aims to highlight his administration’s focus on social justice and ensuring that New Jersey is recognized for providing second chances. During the announcement, Murphy spoke candidly about factors such as domestic violence that had not been considered as mitigating circumstances at the time of sentencing, emphasizing the state's evolving understanding of such matters in a survivor-centric context. Among those pardoned, Abdur Azim expressed profound relief at receiving his pardon after decades of dealing with past convictions, remarking that it felt like a burden had been lifted from him. His previous offenses included shoplifting, drug possession, and robbery dating back to 1986. In addition, the governor noted that the clemency board assessed each case based on the individuals’ accountability for their actions and their efforts to positively contribute to their communities post-incarceration. As a final stroke of hope, Murphy announced that more grants of mercy would follow in the future, reinforcing the idea that justice and redemption are achievable through personal commitment and societal support. The presence of those affected, including family members of the women whose sentences were commuted, underscored the emotional weight of these decisions and the importance of seeking justice and fairness within the legal system.