One area of the criminal justice process that receives little attention is the area of pardons. Several reasons are given for the scant levels of attention to this topic. First, the pardons process typically involves offenses that occurred many years prior. Secondly, in Pennsylvania, the Board of Pardons works outside the public purview in relative anonymity. Lastly, pardons are granted for a very small fraction of total offenses committed, so it may seem to the casual observer that a pardon is but one drop in a very large bucket.
Nevertheless, the pardons process is beginning to receive more consideration as of late due in large part to its potential application in the reentry process. What is your position about the pardons process in the state? Do you believe pardons should be more widely utilized? If yes then how so and If no then, why not?
1 Post your thoughts on the topic.
2 Read your classmates' posts and add more comments for further discussions.