Clemency for the 21st Century

Federal clemency is in crisis. In response to that crisis, a remarkable bipartisan consensus has formed in support of systemic reform. This statement acknowledges that consensus, and lays out a framework for change. The reforms described here are achievable without significant congressional action, consistent with best practices in the states, and cost-effective. To summarize our conclusions, we urge that this administration take the clemency process out of the Department of Justice, create an independent and bipartisan Clemency Board that would report directly to the President, and establish a regular and systemic process for executive consideration of individual cases.