Just before he left office, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine signed into law a controversial bill that gives convicts — including murderers — a better chance at parole.
A provision of the so-called “inmates bill of rights” guarantees a parole hearing every three years to any prisoner denied early release.
The bill was approved by both houses of the New Jersey legislature in January, despite opponents who said it could free violent criminals.
Also Monday night, shortly before his term expired, Corzine granted clemency to 14 people, including giving early parole to a convicted murderer.
He trimmed more than five years off the 30-year sentence of Quincy Spruell, who was convicted in 1985 of slaying a suspected drug dealer.