NJ SCR92

Urges Governor Sherrill to immediately rescind Executive Order No. 411, issued by former Governor Murphy on January 11, 2026, which restored jury service eligibility to approximately 350,000 people with past indictable offense convictions in New Jersey.

Executive Order No. 411 allows individuals convicted of indictable offenses under state law on or before January 10, 2026 to serve on juries after completing incarceration, probation, and parole requirements.

The resolution argues the executive order represents an improper use of the pardon power, which should be granted on a case-by-case basis rather than used to circumvent legislative decisions on public policy.

Current New Jersey law prohibits jury service for anyone convicted of any indictable offense under state, other state, or federal law, and the Legislature has declined to pass legislation removing this prohibition since 2018.

The resolution contends the order creates arbitrary distinctions and administrative confusion since it only applies to state convictions before January 10, 2026, excluding those convicted after that date or under federal or other states' laws.