Recently on "The WAOK Morning Show" Executive producer Christopher Smith and Media Personality Million Cooper spoke with executive director of FWD.us Zoë Towns about the recent efforts in criminal justice reform, including President Joe Biden's clemency actions.
TO LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW, CLICK HERE.
Ms. Towns, who launched FWD.us's criminal justice reform portfolio in 2017, explained that clemency – the president's power to commute sentences or grant pardons – has become a key focus as President Biden nears the end of his term. During the interview, Ms. Towns highlighted a recent decision where the president granted clemency to approximately 1,500 people, as well as 39 pardons. While this action was welcomed, Ms. Towns noted that the focus so far has been on individuals under house arrest rather than those still incarcerated. She stressed the importance of prioritizing people serving disproportionately long sentences, especially in federal prisons.
Ms. Towns also discussed the disparity in sentencing, particularly for individuals convicted of drug-related offenses during the crack-cocaine sentencing era. Many of those sentenced under outdated laws are still serving time far beyond what would be applicable today. Ms. Towns emphasized the need for further clemency actions to address this issue, particularly focusing on the one in eight individuals in federal prisons.
Ms. Towns addressed a question from a caller, Todd from Cleveland, who inquired about the possibility of creating a separate cabinet-level department to handle clemency, arguing that an independent body could speed up the process. Ms. Towns explained that while the idea has been discussed within advocacy and academic circles, no changes have been made yet. She noted that the Department of Justice currently handles clemency decisions, though many believe that an independent body could provide a fairer and more efficient approach.
The conversation wrapped up with Ms. Towns urging the public to continue pushing for further reforms, especially for those most in need of clemency. She encouraged listeners to support organizations like FWD.us and the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, which are calling on the president to focus on the plight of incarcerated women.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.
