New Jersey Governor Issues Pardon for Son of Prominent Democratic Figure
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy pardoned Harris Jacobs, the 28-year-old son of Democratic figure and Atlantic City lawyer Joe Jacobs, before leaving office. For evading a fatal 2022 car accident, Harris Jacobs was pardoned.
When Jacobs’ car hit Orlando Fraga-Seruti, 76, he died. Security footage shows Jacobs hesitating, leaning over the victim twice, then leaving without notifying police, prosecutors said. Jacobs’ political views and the crime’s seriousness made the conviction newsworthy.
Many disagree with Governor Murphy’s final-day Harris Jacobs pardon. The ruling has raised questions about executive clemency, especially for politicians. Some claim governors have the constitutional power to pardon, while others say they undermine judicial fairness and trust.
Harris Jacobs discusses justice system accountability and privilege issues. The greater issue is how New Jersey governors use executive power, especially at term’s conclusion. This pardon joins Governor Murphy’s other major legal and political actions.
The Jacobs pardon highlights how presidential decisions can affect public opinion and legal precedent as states elect new presidents. Many media and legal professionals cover these pardons, say observers.
Sources:
- Official records of the Governor of New Jersey
- New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
- New Jersey Judiciary Court Records
