The decision, he noted, will not foreclose new trials for those who have exhausted their appeals.

He exhausted his appeals against extradition in August, and the move is imminent, officials said.

Only 30 of them have not yet exhausted their direct appeals from their convictions.

Before, criminals were defined as those who had exhausted their appeals - a process that usually takes 20 years or more.

The first execution under the law is not expected for years, after those who have been condemned exhaust their appeals.

They may remain free on bail until exhausting their legal appeals, which could take years.

According to the state attorney general's office, as of August, 2006, he had exhausted his appeals.

He had exhausted his appeals in the Virginia state courts.

And the three were allowed to remain free on bail until exhausting their legal appeals, which could take years.

New Jersey has not executed anyone since 1963, but several of the 10 people on death row are close to exhausting their appeals.