‘We can reform this system and create a safer and more just New Jersey.’
(TRENTON) – Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland), who has been developing criminal justice reform legislation, released the following statement Thursday on the report of the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice, which called for changes in the way bail is administered and for enactment of a speedy trial law:
“We all know we need to reform the criminal justice process in New Jersey to ensure bail is administered in a common sense way and that all those charged with a crime receive their right to a speedy trial.
“We also all realize this is a complicated system to unwind and fix.
“That’s why I was pleased to see today’s report by the Joint Committee on Criminal Justice. I want to thank Chief Justice Rabner for his leadership.
“I’ve been working for some time on legislation to reform the criminal justice process in New Jersey, and this report will be an invaluable resource and framework as all three branches of government hopefully move forward together in the coming months.
“This issue must be free of partisanship and politics. Working together, we can reform this system and create a safer and more just New Jersey. I’m confident we’re headed in the right direction.”