Malcolm Maclachlan reported in the Daily Journal about two responses to the Supreme Court’s November invitation to comment on a proposed administrative order concerning clemency files. The order would state the court’s policy on the confidentiality of records submitted by the Governor when asking for the court’s constitutionally required permission to grant clemency to people convicted of more than one felony.
The letters from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the First Amendment Coalition (here and here) ask that governors have the burden of sealing clemency records they submit. Now, and under the proposed order, clemency files are confidential unless and until someone moves to unseal the files.
Related:
Supreme Court proposes a tweak to its policy of secrecy for clemency files
“Sanctions sought against governor over redacted clemency records”
More clemency records partially unsealed
Why is secrecy the default on gubernatorial clemency recommendation requests?
Motions fail to pry loose Supreme Court’s clemency denial reasons
More clemency files might be opened, at least partially
“State high court orders unsealing of governor’s pardon documents”