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 […]
The Death Penalty is the Opposite of a Second Chance
Dear Friends, Last week, in the span of seven days, five men in five states were executed. It was the worst state killing spree in over thirty years. It was a brutal, blood-soaked week that raised issues of what accountability in our criminal legal system should look like. I guarantee you; it doesn’t need to […]
Introducing the Just Justice Podcast
Just Justice takes a deep dive into the world of second chances for people in the criminal legal system.
Governor’s Clemency Initiative and More Second Chances
I am truly humbled and honored to share that the Governor has appointed me to his Clemency Advisory Board, which will review clemency petitions and provide guidance to the Governor in support of his Clemency Initiative.
Second Chances and Things to Come
Dear Friends, You Are Invited to a Very Special Conference You are invited to join me at the first-ever Second Chance Conference NJ to be held at Montclair State University on Monday June 3rd. We’ll be discussing “Second Look” laws that allow senior citizens to apply for early release from prison, hearing from experts and […]
Second Chance Month
Dear Friends, Spring is here, and the flowers are doing their best to bloom despite the torrential rains. After a long winter, I love to see the yellow daffodils and pink tulips poking through the wet ground; they serve as the perfect reminder that we always have the chance to begin again. Perhaps that’s why […]
This Weekend and Happy Birthday, Mom!
Dear Friends, If you are around this Sunday, March 3rd, I’ll be hosting a talkback after the afternoon performance of RIFT, or White Lies, a provocative Luna Stage production that is soon moving to its new digs off-Broadway! RIFT tells the story of two brothers–one a progressive novelist, the other a convicted murderer and high-ranking […]
Good News, Bad News, and an Invitation!
Dear Friends, The GoodIn the realm of good news, Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow on Groundhog Day. If tradition holds true, we should expect an early spring. After a month of gray days, I’ll take that as a win. I also wanted to share some personal good news — I will be starting a […]
Criminal Justice Reform Wishlist 2024
Dear Friends, Happy New Year! As part of my 2024 New Year’s resolutions, I plan to focus on three main areas of criminal justice reform. Before I continue, I need to confess that these three areas are similar to those that I have highlighted in previous years. But that’s not a sign of stagnation! The […]