Governor John Bel Edwards has directed the Louisiana Pardon Board to review the clemency applications from 56 death row inmates. Last month, the panel decided not to take them up, on the grounds they were not filed within a year after the inmates’ final appeal was denied.
But Executive Director of the Capital Appeals Project, Cecelia Kappel says the board has heard cases outside of the one year window before.
“This is not unprecedented it’s happened in the past and it’s simply a correct reading of pardon board’s rules and the governor’s powers under the constitution,” said Kappel.
Last month, the state pardon board returned the clemency applications with no action, after Attorney General Jeff Landry issued a legal opinion saying the board’s own rules prohibit them from hearing them. But Edwards says the Pardon Board rules do allow for consideration.
King Alexander with Louisiana Conservatives Concerned About the Death Penalty believes the board should honor Edwards’ request.
“But I think the right thing for them to do is to consider it and the governor is requesting it,” said Alexander.
Edwards opposes the death penalty and his term ends on January 8th.
When asked if the board will have enough time to review all 56 requests before that date.
“I believe the board can make it happen,” said Kappel.
Attorney General Jeff Landry criticized the governor yesterday, claiming he’s trying to circumvent the state’s pardon and parole system.
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