Joe Russo

Assistant Public Defender for N.J. Passionate about representing the poor. Parole Revocation & Lifer Resentencings. Opinions my own. Retweets not endorsements.

[Alex Vitale @avitale]

The death penalty has nothing to do with justice or safety. It is a program of politically motivated state terror. The cruelty and inhumanity are the point. Guilt or innocence is largely irrelevant. https://t.co/u7Tpgs6ZE9

[New Jersey Office of the Public Defender @opd_nj]

Our Parole Revocation Defense Unit training included sessions on #parole, #reentryservices and pre-#revocationdetention objections. It was a truly collaborative effort between PRDU staff and members of our Special Hearings Unit, Appellate Section and Conviction Integrity Unit.

[Amol Sinha @AmolSinha]

On this National Public Defender Day, I am grateful for the remarkable lawyers and staff at @opd_nj, our frequent partners, who work tirelessly each day in pursuit of justice. With @j_sellitti at the helm, I know that NJ will continue blaze trails.

https://t.co/nzsE3fWd9W

[The Star-Ledger @starledger]

Rethinking criminal justice: A Q&A with new Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti https://t.co/ZLx7xFv4OG

[Brenda Flanagan @BFlanaganNJ]

NJ parole system is ‘broken,' report says:
"When the parolee goes before the Parole Board, they’re essentially procedurally naked." @j_sellitti
https://t.co/u6VF59SqWR via @NJSpotlightNews

[New Jersey Office of the Public Defender @opd_nj]

Public defender's office urges legislators to reform 'draconian' parole system https://t.co/pUOBsHfIs2 via @njmonitor

[Mike Noveck @MikeNoveck]

Parole allows people to get out of prison, obtain reentry services, and escape the cycle of mass incarceration. Instead, the NJ Parole Board withholds evidence from people seeking parole, denies parole too often, and reincarcerates people who are on parole. New @opd_nj report ⬇️

[Jennifer Sellitti @j_sellitti]

A deep dive by @DanaDiFilippo into @opd_nj’s February 2024 Parole Project Report. Thank you to the incredible team of attorneys and partners who produced it. It’s time to transform this broken system.

[Joe Russo @hudsonopd]

@amazonatty @ACLUNJ It was an honor working with you on Supreme Court cases! I learned a lot from you including your laser focus on how advocacy impacts marginalized communities. No doubt you will continue holding the “powerful”accountable with your unrelenting passion for social Justice.

[Joe Russo @hudsonopd]

Long overdue but no carveouts!

[New Jersey Monitor || bsky newjerseymonitor.com @NJMonitor]

Bill advances to end ban on jury service for people with criminal convictions https://t.co/cP3XZEPRiR via @DanaDiFilippo

[Joe Russo @hudsonopd]

@amazonatty @PregnancyJust @ACLUNJ Congrats Karen! It was a real honor to work on Supreme Court cases with you. I wish you nothing but the best in your new position. I know you’ll continue to do great things!

[Joe Russo @hudsonopd]

@GovMurphy @j_sellitti @opd_nj Jenn will do an amazing job leading OPD with unrelenting focus on our marginalized clients. “I look forward to leveraging our agency experience and talent to move in a more holistic direction and to broaden community engagement to put and keep clients at the center of all we do.”

[Governor Phil Murphy @GovMurphy]

I'm excited to welcome @j_sellitti as New Jersey’s next Public Defender!

With over two decades of experience & 17 years at the @opd_nj, I'm confident Jennifer will further our Administration’s efforts to make our criminal justice system more equitable.
https://t.co/X0yrRfQNoP

[Joe Russo @hudsonopd]

@briandonohue That’s too bad. I always enjoyed your insightful segments.

[Equal Justice Initiative @eji_org]

On this day in 2011, Georgia executed Troy Davis despite new evidence of his innocence. The evidence was so compelling that three of his jurors urged the government to stop the execution. To overcome racial inequality, we must confront our history. https://t.co/LD5KMF1dJZ

[Jennifer Sellitti @j_sellitti]

It’s National Forensic Science Week. A friendly reminder that junk, unreliable, and untested science has no place in the courtroom.

[Jennifer Sellitti @j_sellitti]

Groundbreaking decision makes NJ first court in the nation to reject SBS/AHT in cases where there is no impact. Congrats to the @opd_nj attorneys Cody Mason, Danica Rue and Caroline Bielak, who litigated the case and to amici, including, @innocence.

[Joe Russo @hudsonopd]

@CJGriffinEsq The infamous quote by Brandeis (1913) remains true today: “sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.”

[Joe Russo @hudsonopd]

Former public defender Mike Noriega to be nominated to the N.J. Supreme Court!! https://t.co/QYPgOW9Nvp

[Joe Russo @hudsonopd]

My brother’s killer tore apart our family but now I believe he deserves a second chance. https://t.co/sdcpY5478w