A Mississippi judge has ordered a temporary hold on the release of 21 inmates who received pardons or medical releases by Gov. Haley Barbour as he was leaving office. The temporary injunction was issued at the request of Attorney General Jim Hood who is challenging some of the 200 pardons issued by Barbour.Hood said some of the reprieves may violate state law because sufficient notice was not given.
Barbour was sharply criticized for his action even by some in his own Republican party, but the former Governor said 189 of those who received pardons had already completed their sentences.
"The pardons were intended to allow them to find gainful employment or acquire professional licenses as well as hunt and vote. My decision about clemency was based upon the recommendation of the Parole Board in more than 90 percent of the cases."
Notice Must Be Published
Most of those inmates received full pardons, while others received suspended sentences due to their medical conditions.
According to the state's constitution any inmate seeking a pardon must publish a notice stating his intention to seek release. The notice must be published in a newspaper in the county in which the inmate was convicted. It must appear at least 30 days prior to the pardon.
Hood's office is investigating whether any of the 21 inmates published such notices.
"It's unfortunate Gov. Barbour didn't read the constitution," Hood said.
See Also:
Miss. Court Halts Quick Release of Some Pardoned
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