Criminal Justice Action Plan for 2026
Dear Friends, The start of a new year is when many of us pause, take stock, and make plans for the coming months. If justice is on your radar, this Criminal Justice Action Plan for 2026 offers concrete ways to impact people and communities directly affected by the criminal legal system. There’s something here for […]
Retirement Reflections
Dear Freinds, Today is my last day of classes, so it only seems fitting that today I also write to share some personal news. After 20 years of teaching at Montclair State University, I am retiring at the end of this semester. When I left my work as a New York City public defender to […]
Grace and Gratitude
This week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy granted 59 clemency petitions, including pardons to 11 veterans on Veteran’s Day. All in, Governor Murphy so far has granted clemency in 228 cases.
October, A Time For Action
Here are FOUR ways to get energized and moving for justice…
September, Moving Forward
Second chances through clemency…
Second Changes, Jersey Style
April is Second Chance Month, an idea that we take seriously in my home state of New Jersey. On Tuesday, April 8th, NJ Governor Phil Murphy announced his second round of clemency grants under his Clemency Initiative. Ninety-three people received clemency yesterday — and 93 lives were forever changed. Along with the other members of the Clemency […]
Justice Heros
Dear Friends, I know we are all reeling from the daily barrage of bad news, designed to distract and overwhelm us from the devastation that this administration is causing, both here and abroad. But many of you reading this refuse to be cowed. You are engaged in acts of daily resistance. Maybe you’ve called your representatives. Maybe you […]
Clemency, New Podcast Episodes and LA Fires
Dear Friends, Last year ended on an impossibly high note, when New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the first of his clemency grants. He commuted the prison terms of three women who had served decades behind bars and are now finally home with their families and communities. He also pardoned 33 others. I am deeply honored to […]
Take Action for Justice
Dear Friends, This year, instead of my annual criminal justice wish list, I’ve made a criminal justice action plan. Join me in donating, signing petitions, or sending books and holiday cards. There are many ways to make a difference. 1. Support the Innocent and Exonerated Far too many innocent people are released from prison with nothing […]
Election Musings and Presidential Pardon Power
Dear Friends, Tuesday is election day. You know what’s at stake. Democracy, decency, free speech, censorship, fairness, women’s reproductive rights, health care, freedom, historical accuracy — it’s all on the line. So is justice. Consider the death penalty. Trump is aggressively pro-death penalty. When he was president, he revived the federal death penalty after a […]