The Massachusetts Bar Association’s Clemency Task Force cordially invites you
to join us as we host “A Time for Mercy” on Thursday, June 10, from 6-7
p.m.
The MBA Clemency Task Force was formed to review the clemency process (commutations
and pardons), and to propose changes in areas that have resulted in
denial of equal justice under the law and undermined public trust and confidence
in our criminal legal system. The goal of this event is to raise awareness
of these important issues and to support the work of the MBA Clemency Task
Force as we try to convince Governor Charlie Baker, the Legislature and the Parole
Board to adopt and follow the Task Force’s clemency resolutions. Clemency, an
important tool of justice, has been all but dead in Massachusetts for the past
10 years. This virtual event will highlight the growing need to examine and
reform our clemency procedures in Massachusetts.
Panelists will discuss:
- What clemency is and its importance in the criminal
legal system
- What needs to change in Massachusetts
- The racial impact of our present clemency system
- How the system is working for clemency petitioners and their families in
Massachusetts.
The MBA is proud to have the support for this program from the following sponsoring organizations:
Boston College Lifer Parole Clinic, Coalition for Effective Public Safety,
Committee for Public Counsel Services, Greater Boston Legal Services, Harvard
Prison Legal Assistance Project, Lawyers for Civil Rights, Massachusetts Black
Women Attorneys, Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,
Prisoners’ Legal Services, Northeastern Prisoners’ Rights Clinic, Women’s Bar
Association.
This webinar will be hosted using Zoom. Registration is required by
1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, to participate in this program. After
you register with the MBA, please look for an email from MassBar
Education
with the Webinar ID and Password. The email will be sent before the program on
June 10.