Commutations — State and Local Issues — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

More Than 450 Oklahoma Inmates Exit Prison as Part of Mass Commutation

“More than 450 inmates walked out the doors of prisons across Oklahoma on Monday as part of what state officials say is the largest single-day mass commutation in U.S. history. The release of inmates, all with convictions for low-level drug and property crimes, resulted from a bill signed by new Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt. The bill retroactively applied misdemeanor sentences for simple drug possession and low-level property crimes that state voters approved in 2016.“

TIME

November 4, 2019

State ReformsPhillip ReevesNovember 4, 2019Time Magazine, Oklahoma, CommutationsComment

49 Oklahoma inmates imprisoned for drug crimes asking for commutations

"Push for commutations is spurred by the passage of State Question 780, which starting July 1, 2017, made nonviolent drug possession offenses and low-level property offenses misdemeanors instead of felonies. Steele led the call for the state question, which was approved in November 2016 by 58 percent of Oklahoma voters."

Tulsa World

August 11, 2018

State Reforms, SentencingAnthony BradleyAugust 14, 2018Tulsa World, Oklahoma, Commutations

This Red State Governor Is Giving Hope to People Sentenced to Die in Prison

"In his first six months in office, Edwards commuted 22 sentences out of 56 sent to him with positive recommendation from the state’s Board of Pardons. Sixteen of the offenders whose applications he granted were serving life without parole."

The Appeal

July 9, 2018

State Reforms, ParoleAnthony BradleyJuly 31, 2018The Appeal, Louisiana, Commutations

Cuomo The Merciless

"New York's Democratic governor has granted only a trickle of commutations, fewer than many of his Democratic and Republican predecessors."

The Appeal

June 20, 2018

State ReformsAnthony BradleyJuly 31, 2018The Appeal, Andrew Cuomo, Commutations

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