Mickleton Quakers congratulate NJ Governor Jon Corzine and our legislators on the abolishment of the death penalty in our state. As Governor Corzine noted in his remarks on signing the bill, "Today, New Jersey is truly evolving."
Our laws are signposts in how our society evolves. The passage of a law does not change how we all think and behave, but it does mark the standards and goals that we see as right.
It is now up to us, the people of New Jersey, to evolve in our understanding of justice—to honor and support the victims of crime, and to hold accountable the perpetrators of crime, but always seeking justice without the taint of vengeance.
New Jersey law has indeed evolved in pursuing justice without using the tools of the criminal. May the people of New Jersey continue this evolution.
Signed,
Barry Sloane
on behalf of Mickleton Meeting, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Last modified: Monday, February 11, 2008 at 07:39 PM