Law Profs: Investigate Pardon Attorney

Fifteen law professors from around the country have written a letter asking Congress to investigate astounding claims of misconduct against the Office of the Pardon Attorney (OPA), the tiny office that reviews federal clemency requests and provides advice to the president -- and apparently hasn't been doing a very good job of it.

Check out the professors' letter here, and read FAMM's response.

The professors raise an important point:

Virtually the only governmental check on the pardon power of the president is the ability of the Congress to investigate its use. While Congress properly plays no role in the actual consideration of clemency petitions, there is a duty of oversight relating to the operation of this office. Pursuant to that important duty, we urge you to convene a hearing at your earliest convenience, and will offer whatever help we can.

Advocacy organizations, congressmen, commutation recipients, and now law professors have called for an investigation.  That chorus of voices merits a response.