JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The Barbour pardons have sparked national attention. But since the former Governor hasn't spoken publicly about his decisions, most of us are left in the dark about what the pardons actually mean.
Day by day we're learning more about Mississippi law as it relates to pardons. Professor Matt Steffey with the Mississippi College School of Law said unlike other states, Mississippi doesn't have an involved statutory framework monitoring the Governor's pardon power.
"There's been a suggestion for example that there ought to be public hearings, some sort of commission some sort of panel of people before the Governor can act," said Steffey.
By now, most of us have seen the long list of convicted criminals, including murderers, rapists and DUI offenders pardoned by former Governor Haley Barbour.
On Wednesday, a temporary restraining order blocked the release of nearly two dozen people on Barbour's list. But what if the pardons actually go through?
"It means there are no legal consequences criminal or civil that follows the pardon," said Steffey.
Attorney General Jim Hood pointed out that the Mississippi Constitution requires those seeking pardons to publish a notice in the paper before the Governor can act. But Steffey says the Judicial system will have to decide whether or not that rule applies.
"There might be arguments that the publication requirement doesn't apply for people who have served their sentence or doesn't apply for people's sentences who have been reduced or commuted," said Steffey.
The professor says it is typical for Governor's to issue pardons on the eve of leaving office, but issuing 200 pardons is an exceptionally high number.
"This is more pardons than President Bush exercised for the entire U.S. on the eve of leaving office," said Steffey.
Since it appears the public is overwhelmingly unsettled by the pardons, the legislature can step in and help implement ways for law enforcement and the Attorney General's Office to respond to pardons before they're granted.
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