Supporting Fair Commutation Policy in Connecticut

One important ingredient of the effort to curb mass incarceration—in Connecticut and elsewhere—is the use of commutation powers by the executive branch. We applaud Gov. Lamont for taking up this important mantle. At the same time, commutation powers must be used in a fair, even-handed way; otherwise, they stand to imperil, rather than safeguard, the rule of law. In the linked-to letter, we outline several principles that should guide the exercise of executive lenience in the service of decarceration.