(01/05/06) TRENTON ? A state Assembly committee approved a bill Thursday that could put New Jersey?s death penalty on hold for at least one year.

The moratorium will take place during a study on capital punishment in the state of New Jersey. According to lawmakers, no on has been executed since the return of the state?s death penalty due to an exhaustive appeals process. Leaders hope the study will help determine if death is an effective deterrent against crime.

Although lawmakers say the stoppage is simply for the study, death penalty opponents hope it leads to a permanent end to capital punishment in New Jersey. The bill will go before the Assembly for a final vote January 9.