Social Justice
ACLU starts clemency project in New Jersey to fight unjust prison terms
The ACLU will first focus on incarcerated domestic violence victims and people who got longer sentences at trial after rejecting plea deals.
Pro-Palestinian protestors embrace disruption to push politicians to act on Gaza war
New Jersey activists have disrupted speeches, stormed offices, and protested outside political party meetings to demand a cease-fire in Gaza.
State to distribute $95M to expand safe-syringe sites and addiction recovery services
N.J. will expand safe-syringe sites and fund housing and mobile services. The state is expected to get more than $1B in the next two decades.
Developer’s lawsuit claims discrimination from South Orange, PSE&G
The developer claims township officials subjected her to unlawful fines, steep delays, and stricter requirements because she is a Black woman.
Lawsuit seen as crucial test of police use of facial recognition technology
Nijeer Parks was wrongfully arrested for shoplifting in Woodbridge, solely because a facial recognition system chose him as a "possible hit."
New state public defender aims to bring modern approach to indigent defense
Jennifer Sellitti, a 17-year veteran of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, will take over the top job Feb. 1.
County jail conditions — ‘hazardous even to a dog’ — spur calls for independent oversight
New Jersey's 16 county jails don't have the independent oversight state prisons face. Critics say bad jail conditions prove it's needed.
New Jersey’s top court rejects challenge of witness tampering law
At issue is whether a carjacking suspect's letter to a victim was free speech or witness tampering.
Newark activist embraces ‘Dr. Martin Luther King’s agenda’ in U.S. Senate bid
Longtime social justice activist Larry Hamm said he would implement "a progressive agenda" if he wins his bid for U.S. Senate.
Murphy administration launches initiative to battle appraisal discrimination
Discriminatory appraisals violate the Law Against Discrimination and violators can face penalties under existing law, state officials say.
Family of mother who fatally overdosed in Monmouth jail sues for wrongful death
A new federal lawsuit accuses Monmouth County correctional officials of ignoring a thriving, deadly drug trade behind bars.
Residents, council members denounce Edison mayor’s comments on migrants
Edison Mayor Sam Joshi should apologize for saying he wants to send migrants back across the southern border, residents and council members said Thursday.