University of Cincinnati College of Law joins Expedited Pardon Project

The University of Cincinnati College of Law is partnering with the Ohio Justice and Policy (OJPC) Center to expand the Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project and reach more potential pardon candidates in the state of Ohio.

The project eliminates administrative hurdles and provides free one-on-one help for qualified citizens seeking legal absolution for past criminal offenses. The project launched in 2019 through collaboration among the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and the University of Akron School of Law. According to a November 9 news release, 16 applicants have been pardoned since the project’s launch, with 86 others in various stages of the application process. The addition of Cincinnati Law and OJPC along with Cleveland State University Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and the University of Dayton School of Law extends the project’s impact across Ohio.

“This new externship opportunity will enhance UC Law’s role as a national leader in educating future practitioners and policymakers in criminal law and procedure,” said Janet Moore, Professor of Law at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. “Our students will receive practical training and client counseling experience while expanding access to justice in the important but often neglected specialty area of executive clemency.”

“On behalf of the Ohio Justice & Policy Center, we applaud Governor DeWine for his expedited pardon initiative and are grateful that we were awarded funding to help deserving applicants who need a second chance,” said David Singleton, Executive Director of OJPC.

“In Ohio, we are tough on crime, but we also recognize that certain mistakes shouldn’t forever haunt those who’ve paid their debt to society and have reformed their lives,” said Governor DeWine in a November 9 news release. “Although more than a dozen deserving citizens have been pardoned through this expedited process, we know that there are many other people out there who could qualify. By having more partners on board, we can reach more people who are ready for a fresh start.”

Read more on governor.ohio.gov