This past weekend, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour pulled the rug out from under crime victims when he quietly pardoned four inmates that had been convicted of murder. All four inmates were serving life sentences, and had worked as trustees in the governor’s mansion. (Read more)
These four pardons were all granted without advance warning to the families of the victims. The pardons were granted on Friday, the victims were notified on Saturday, and the inmates were released on Sunday. Governors are typically given complete discretion in granting pardons, without requiring input from any outside sources.
These pardons are an insult to many. Needless to say, the victims now have to deal with a new set of issues. Previously, they felt safe knowing that these killers were locked behind bars. Now, they must face the reality that the killers are free men. The pardons are also an insult to the investigators, prosecutors, judges, and juries that worked hard to see that these inmates were brought to justice in the first place.
Perhaps it is time to abolish the pardon authority of our leaders. It is unfair that the unchecked decision of a single person can undo the hard work of many. Further, it is unfair and cowardly for someone to make this decision without consulting those who have been impacted the most, the crime victims themselves.
Read the official pardon documents here.
