Editorial Criticizes Obama as a ‘No-Pardon President’
President Obama hasn’t approved one request for a pardon or other form of clemency since taking office.
A Los Angeles Times editorial says the record is “disappointing” but notes speculation that the president will issue grants of clemency following this week’s elections.
“It’s not that there is a shortage of claimants,” the Los Angeles Times says in the Oct. 30 editorial. “Earlier this month, Obama formally denied 605 petitions for commutation of sentences and 71 pardon requests. It’s hard to believe that none of those was deserving of approval.”
Meanwhile, an unpublished memorandum (PDF) by a federal appeals court requires the Justice Department to release the names of applicants who were turned down for pardons and commutations, Politico reports. The memo and order by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upholds a ruling requiring disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
Hat tip to Sentencing Law and Policy.
