N.J. Governor Signs Law Repealing Death Penalty

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine heralded the end of “state-endorsed killing” as he signed a law today repealing the death penalty in the state.

At the same time, the governor commuted the sentence for eight death-row inmates to life in prison without parole, the New York Times reports.

Corzine gave “an extended and often passionate speech” as he signed the legislation, the newspaper says.

“Today, New Jersey is truly evolving,” Corzine said. “I believe society first must determine if its endorsement of violence begets violence, and if violence undermines our commitment to the sanctity of life. To these questions, I answer yes.”

New Jersey is the first state since 1965 to legislatively repeal the death penalty, according to a press release by the American Civil Liberties Union. John Holdridge, director of the ACLU's Capital Punishment Project, said the repeal reflects a shift in public opinion against capital punishment.