Louisiana Governor Initiates Clemency Review for 56 Death Row Inmates, Stirring Up Painful Memories

Louisiana Governor Orders Review of Death Row Inmates

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has ordered a review of 56 out of the 57 inmates on death row in the state. This decision comes after the inmates filed applications for clemency.

The move was prompted by the State Attorney General Jeff Landry, who advised the parole board to consider the applications as non-viable. Landry argued that the board should adhere to its policy, which requires clemency requests to be made within one year of appeal rulings unless there are extenuating circumstances. Landry noted that the execution dates for the prisoners were not imminent.

Attorney General Criticizes Waiver in State's Rules

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has criticized a waiver in the state's rules that allows the board to repeal and enact new rules without public notice. Landry argues that this broad and ill-defined waiver goes against Louisiana law.

Delay in Hearing Clemency Applications

Louisiana's Board of Pardons and Committee has delayed the hearing of clemency applications from death row prisoners who are seeking life sentences instead of execution. Governor John Bel Edwards has expressed his support for considering mercy in these cases, citing both moral justifications and legal and scientific reasons. He highlighted the fact that Louisiana has had six exonerations and over 50 sentence reversals in capital cases over the past two decades.

Criticism of Governor's Attempts to Bypass Pardon and Parole System

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards is facing criticism for his attempts to bypass the state's constitutional pardon and parole system. Attorney General Jeff Landry accused the governor of trying to circumvent the system and highlighted that individuals on death row have been convicted by a jury of their peers twice. Loren Lampert, the executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, also criticized Edwards' actions, calling them inappropriate and disrespectful to the victims and their families.

Response of Baton Rouge District Attorney

The article discusses the response of Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III, a Democrat, to the request made by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards to review the case of a man convicted of killing a police officer. Moore agrees with the governor, stating that the request has reopened painful wounds for the victims who believed the issue was already resolved. He questions when the emotional roller coaster for these victims will finally come to an end.