In a press conference currently being held, Attorney General Jim Hood (D) is announcing that he will seek an injunction that would prevent those apparently pardoned by outgoing Governor Haley Barbour (R) from being released from prison. At issue is the procedure outlined in Section 124 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, mentioned here last night. In particular, it does not appear that many of the pardons were issued in accordance with the constitutional requirement that a pardon petition be published for 30 days prior to a pardon being issued.
For example, take a look at the Sun-Herald announcements found here. None of those were posted 30 days prior to January 10, 2012, and would therefore likely be unconstitutional.
In addition, AG Hood has asked MDOC Commissioner Chris Epps to refrain from releasing anyone from MDOC custody on such a "pardon" until the constitutionality of the purported pardon can be determined. Those who have been released may be rearrested.
Thanks, Haley.
2 comments:
So glad there is someone left in state government that isn't completely insane!
Where is the due dilligence by MDOC Commissioner Chris Epps to ensure compliance with Section 124 before he released multiple killers?
While some of those pardoned seem not to have complied with Section 124's requirement to publish notice 30 days before the pardon is granted many did publish notices in the appropriate newspapers, just not 30 days in advance. Where was the community outrage BEFOREHAND from these notices? Is nobody watching?
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