New Jersey Governor Corzine Speaks On The Elimination Of The Death Penalty In New Jersey

April 14, 2008 -- TRENTON - New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today spoke at the Legislative Abolition of the Death Penalty in New Jersey Conference to reflect on the process of abolishing the death penalty in the state. The conference was held at The Newark Club. The Governor signed legislation in December of 2007 ending the death penalty in New Jersey and today offered the following sentiments.

Electric chair used in Texas until 1954: Photo by Jessica Stacey (CC)

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“There were many reasons to ban the death penalty in New Jersey. It is difficult, if not impossible, to devise a humane technique of execution that is not cruel and unusual, and to develop a foolproof system that precludes the possibility of executing the innocent. New Jersey spent more than a quarter of a billion dollars to maintain its capital punishment system since 1982, even though it had not carried out a single execution for more than four decades, demonstrating little collective will or appetite to enforce this law.

“But for me, the question was more fundamental. State-endorsed violence begets violence and undermines our commitment to the sanctity of life. We in New Jersey are proud to be the first state to prohibit the death penalty since it was permitted by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1976, and we are proud to serve as leaders on this profound issue of conscience.”

Former New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice James Zazzalli offered the following praise in his introduction of Governor Corzine at the conference.

“I think today we desperately need leaders who are people of commitment and courage, the exception is Jon Corzine. He has demonstrated his commitment to equal justice under the law. This is an honorable man doing an honest job under tremendous difficulties and not only the state of New Jersey but indeed the whole country and all of humanity owe you a huge debt of gratitude.”

Source: New Jersey Governor