TRENTON, N.J. – Senator Michael Testa sharply criticized reports that Governor Phil Murphy is preparing to issue an executive order permitting individuals convicted of serious crimes to serve on juries, calling the move an attempt to override the will of the Legislature, which rejected the proposal in 2023.
In a statement Friday, Testa (R-1) accused the governor of “imposing his personal agenda by executive fiat,” saying the plan undermines both the rule of law and the separation of powers. “Once again, Governor Murphy is attempting to impose his personal agenda by executive fiat after the people’s representatives clearly said no,” Testa said.
Testa argued that the governor lacks constitutional authority to unilaterally alter jury eligibility standards, which are set by statute. He said the exclusion of convicted felons from jury service is a longstanding policy meant to preserve the impartiality and credibility of the justice system.
“Clemency exists to lessen punishment imposed on an individual,” Testa said. “The exclusion of convicted criminals from jury service is not a punishment at all – it is a policy judgment designed to protect the integrity of the judicial system.”
Calling the plan “reckless,” Testa warned that allowing convicted felons to serve on juries would erode public trust in the courts. “Serving on a jury is not a right, privilege, or entitlement,” he said. “It is a profound civic duty – and one that is not to be conferred lightly.”
The senator also criticized the timing of the move, saying it reflects misplaced priorities in the governor’s final days in office. “Even as his tenure comes to an end, Governor Murphy continues to side with criminals over law-abiding citizens,” Testa said. “New Jersey families deserve a justice system that puts public safety and accountability first.”