Press Release

FAMM Statement on President Trump’s pardons and commutations today

For Media Inquiries:
Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700
rburks@famm.org

 

FAMM Statement on President Trump’s pardons and commutations today

The advocacy group is happy for all the beneficiaries, but hopes for a fairer clemency process in the future

WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring issued the following statement on President Trump’s pardons and commutations:

We’re always happy to see presidents and governors use their clemency authority, and we share in the joy of all those who benefited today. We’re especially happy to see mercy granted to those whose stories we’ve highlighted, including Chris Young, who was featured in our documentary, The Vanishing Trial, John Knock, and Jodi Richter. They all deserve second chances.

We remain concerned that the current clemency process further undermines public confidence in the justice system. Too many people believe they need to know a celebrity or pay a well-connected lobbyist to have their petitions heard. We urge President-elect Biden to create a fairer clemency process – and to use his authority more aggressively.

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.