Pardons Demand Transparency and Independence

The lobbying by members of Congress for pardons following the January 6th insurrection highlights the need for transparency in the pardon process. Implementing amendments to enhance the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) could ensure that the records of pardons are clear and public. Historically, the pardoning process involved detailed review and rationale provided by the Attorney General, a practice that could be beneficial to revisit. Furthermore, removing the Office of Pardon from the Department of Justice would eliminate conflicts of interest, allowing for recommendations from an independent committee, potentially comprising former judges, prison officials, and mental health professionals. This restructuring, along with greater public scrutiny, could foster more meaningful discussions about pardons and their implications.