News / FJP Releases

March 18, 2025

FJP Statement on Tonight’s Scheduled Execution of Jessie Hoffman

Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) condemns the upcoming execution of Jessie Hoffman in Louisiana, who is scheduled to be executed by nitrogen hypoxia today, Tuesday, March 18th. The United Nations and other experts have said nitrogen asphyxiation may cause pain and suffering that violates the international ‘prohibition on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment.’ This untested and torturous method only adds another layer of cruelty to the already inhumane practice of state-sanctioned murder. This will be the first execution in Louisiana in 15 years, and the state will become just the second state to carry out executions by nitrogen suffocation if Governor Landry does not act quickly.

Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig issued the following statement ahead of Louisiana’s planned execution of Jessie Hoffman today:

“Barring last minute intervention, the state of Louisiana will execute Mr. Hoffman with nitrogen asphyxiation today. True justice is not found in executions but in breaking cycles of violence, offering rehabilitation services, and recognizing the humanity of everyone. Mr. Hoffman has spent decades working to rehabilitate himself, demonstrating genuine remorse and personal growth. He has pursued self-improvement and built meaningful relationships with those who have witnessed his transformation. He has mentored other incarcerated individuals, offering guidance and support to help them make better choices. Through his actions, he has shown that people are capable of change when given the opportunity. Executing Mr. Hoffman disregards not only his rehabilitation, but also the very idea that redemption is possible.

March 17, 2025

An “Authoritarian Turn” – FJP Condemns Trump Administration’s Use of the Alien Enemies Act as a Dangerous Moment for US Democracy

On March 15, President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport 261 Venezuelan nationals to El Salvador for arbitrary and indefinite detention in El Salvador’s notorious prison system. The Administration’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act when the United States is neither at war nor subject to a military invasion is historically unprecedented. A federal district court judge for the District of Columbia issued an immediate temporary restraining order blocking President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act and ordering the Trump Administration to return the detainees to the United States. The Trump Administration refused to comply with this judicial order, claiming that the Court’s jurisdiction was limited given that the detainees were on a flight over international waters.

Fair and Just Prosecution Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to enforce its mass deportation agenda:

“After unlawfully threatening to cut funding to sanctuary cities and states, illegally detaining and attempting to deport a legal permanent resident over his political speech, and weaponizing the Justice Department to prosecute local law enforcement officials who fail to comply with this Administration’s blatantly unlawful executive orders, President Trump is now invoking war time powers during a time of peace to justify rounding up potentially millions of people. This blatantly unconstitutional and unlawful power grab reveals the Trump Administration’s mass deportation agenda for what it is – an authoritarian turn in our nation’s history and a time when the rule of law is under direct threat.

March 14, 2025

Fair and Just Prosecution Condemns Senate Passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act

Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) strongly condemns the Senate’s passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act, a reckless and misguided bill that doubles down on the failed, punitive drug policies of the past instead of embracing real, evidence-based solutions to the overdose crisis.

FJP Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig issued the following statement in response to the Senate passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act:

“Overdose deaths are declining not because of harsh sentencing laws, but because we are finally investing in what works—harm reduction, expanded treatment, and proven public health strategies. The HALT Fentanyl Act threatens this progress by doubling down on ineffective and extreme sentences and fueling unjust prosecutions that disproportionately target communities of color. We have decades of evidence showing that harsh sentencing laws don’t stop drug use or save lives. Why are we repeating the same mistakes?

March 6, 2025

FJP Statement on Tomorrow’s Scheduled Execution of Brad Sigmon

Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) condemns the upcoming execution of Brad Sigmon in South Carolina, who is scheduled to be executed by firing squad tomorrow. More than 6,000 people have signed a petition organized by South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (SCADP) demanding that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster – who has the sole authority to grant clemency – to give Mr. Sigmon a permanent reprieve from execution.

Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig issued the following statement ahead of South Carolina’s planned execution of Brad Sigmon tomorrow:

“Barring last minute intervention, tomorrow the state of South Carolina will execute Mr. Sigmon by firing squad. There is no place in civilized society for state-sanctioned killing. Moreover, a firing squad is a uniquely and horrifyingly brutal execution. We unequivocally condemn this execution and urge policymakers across the country to abolish the barbaric use of capital punishment.

February 18, 2025

FJP Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig Testifies in Opposition to Maryland HB 1398 Before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee

Today, Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP) Acting Co-Executive Director Amy Fettig testified before the Maryland House Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 1398 the so-called “Distribution of Heroin or Fentanyl Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death” Act. If enacted, this bill would impose harsh criminal penalties on families, friends, or package delivery workers by holding them liable for overdose deaths they did not intend or could not foresee. Research and experience show that laws like HB 1398 fail to deter drug use, discourage people from seeking medical help in overdose situations, and exacerbate racial disparities in the criminal legal system.

Despite claims that this legislation is intended to target high-level traffickers, its broad language ensures that low-level users, family members, and friends of overdose victims could be prosecuted as has been the case in other states where similar laws are already in place. Additionally, similar laws in New Jersey, Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois, Louisiana, and New York led to significant increases in overdose deaths despite a dramatic uptick in drug-induced homicide prosecutions.