IMPACT

In the News

News articles and media coverage of the Seattle Clemency Project, our clients, and the injustices that motivate our work.

A second look: Clemency in washington

This report examines the clemency process in Washington from 2012 to 2023. Specifically, it looks at petitions for commutation (the shortening of a petitioner’s sentence). The paper serves as a review of the types of petitions that are granted a hearing in front of the Clemency and Pardons Board, and those that are ultimately recommended for clemency to the governor.

This report was written by Thomas Brehmer, M.P.A.. This paper was made with the support of the Seattle Clemency Project. Editing and content direction was provided by Jennifer Smith and Kaitlyn Laibe. A special thanks is given to faculty members at the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy & Governance who provided technical assistance.

2024 Juvenile Parole Project Report

The Juvenile Parole Project allows University of Washington Law, Societies & Justice (UW LSJ) students to volunteer on early release petitions for people eligible for juvenile parole. To assist their petitioner, students are paired with pro bono attorneys. With support from the Seattle Clemency Project (SCP), students help their attorneys generate a community support narrative, plan for reentry, and visit the client in prison. This year, the project expanded to include clemency and resentencing petitions.

By partnering with the Juvenile Parole Project, SCP is extending its mission to pursue justice to include student volunteers. The partnership highlights the importance of connecting community members with the incarcerated population, identifying the growing disparities in access to legal services, and increasing awareness about the path to redemption and healing. More importantly, the project encourages students to put their education into practice and take on an active role in reforming the state’s criminal legal system.

2023 Impact report