Tag Archives: Clemency

Governor Newsom sends first clemency request to the Supreme Court

Governor Gavin Newsom today sent to the Supreme Court his first request for approval of an intended grant of clemency.  He wants to pardon Susan Burton for three felony convictions. A California governor is constitutionally required to get the consent … Continue reading

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“Full record now available for clemency reviews”

Paula Lehman-Ewing reported in Friday’s Daily Journal that Governor Newsom’s office last week “unsealed the remaining documents in the pardon file for former state Sen. Roderick Wright, who was pardoned by Gov. Jerry Brown in November.”  (Link added.) If the … Continue reading

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Divided Supreme Court recommends clemency for two LWOP murderers, blocks it for three others

The Supreme Court today acted on five more clemency recommendation requests submitted by Governor Jerry Brown. All concern inmates serving life-without-parole sentences for murder. The court recommended clemency for two of them, but blocked it for the other three. Recommendations … Continue reading

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Divided Supreme Court blocks clemency for 4 more, green lights it for 1 [Updated]

Until recently, the Supreme Court had apparently not prevented a gubernatorial clemency grant since 1930. But, starting four weeks ago, the court has blocked clemency seven different times, including four on Friday and today. (See Sophia Bollag’s report — “Court … Continue reading

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Did the Supreme Court rebuke the Governor when it blocked clemency?

After Thursday’s post about this week’s Supreme Court conference, the court updated its online docket to make clear that it had indeed rejected two of Governor Jerry Brown’s requests for clemency recommendations.  Because the prisoners involved — Richard Barnfield and John … Continue reading

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