Huckabee Proposes Changes In Clemency Policy
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Governor Huckabee proposes changes in
clemency policy amid complaints that concerns of victims` families
aren`t adequately addressed.
Governor Mike Huckabee today proposed changes
in the way he grants clemency. He answered complaints from victims`
families with a four-pronged proposal detailing his reasons for
granting mercy.
Huckabee said "the public deserves an explanation for the
r The governor said legislators, the attorney general, his parole
board and the public should weigh on whether reduced sentences for
violent criminals are appropriate.
The change was proposed just hours after relatives of murder
victims made an emotional plea to involve them in the process.
easoning behind each decision."
The governor said he was not solely to blame for a parole and
clemency system that did not require him to fully disclose his
reasons to reduce prison terms.
Huckabee said he understands the pain crime victims and their
families have endured. He wrote that he understands changes outside
of his office are needed.
Huckabee also said that, since taking office in 1996, he had
deliberately kept the process under wraps. The governor said he
wanted to prevent inmates from studying successful applications and
tailoring theirs along the same lines.
Now, Huckabee said, he realizes greater good is served if a more
detailed reason is provided. He said crime victims, their families,
the law enforcement community and citizens in general a more
detailed explanation.
Huckabee denied a series of clemency requests that he already
had under consideration. In a statement, Huckabee:
--said his office would release a form in each clemency case that
gives a reason for any action taken;
--called on the state Post-Prison Transfer Board to strengthen
its fact-finding process and give more detailed reasons for its
recommendations;
--urged the Legislature to give subpoena power to the Post-Prison
Transfer Board; and
--asked the Legislature to review a requirement that the governor
take up every clemency request made.
