Wisconsin’s commutation process is moving forward — and after decades without a meaningful pathway for commutations, this is an important moment for fair chances and transformational justice in our state. On August 21, the Governor’s Commutation Advisory Board held its first public hearing, hearing directly from 12 people seeking to have their sentences shortened. More than 800 incarcerated people have applied for consideration since Governor Tony Evers restored Wisconsin’s commutation process earlier this year. For people who have spent years — and in some cases decades — incarcerated, these hearings represent something Wisconsin has gone without for far too long: a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate growth, rehabilitation and readiness to return home.
“Commutation hearings give us an opportunity to look beyond a person’s worst moment and hear the full story of who they have become. When we listen to stories of accountability, remorse, growth, and transformation, we are reminded that people are more than the mistakes they made years—or even decades—ago.”
— Sherry Reames, WISDOM Commutations Committee Member
This moment comes as Wisconsin’s prison system has reached a troubling milestone. New reporting shows that Wisconsin’s prison population has reached a record 23,854 people — nearly 6,000 people above the system’s intended capacity. Overcrowding affects incarcerated people, programming, rehabilitation and ultimately our communities. Commutation alone will not solve Wisconsin’s incarceration crisis. But it is one important tool for recognizing that people can change — and that justice must leave room for redemption, rehabilitation and second chances.
The first hearing was a major step, but it was only the beginning. The next Commutation Advisory Board hearing will take place September 18 from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CT. Members of the public can tune in virtually here on the Governor’s Commutations YouTube channel and/or WisconsinEye to hear directly from people seeking commutation. As this process continues, WISDOM will keep advocating for a Wisconsin that believes people are more than the worst thing they have ever done. Stay connected with us to learn more; see recent news
Support the work of MOSES and learn about juvenile justice from Dane County Judge Everett Mitchell. This Lunch and Learn event will be held on May 20 from 11:30 to 1. Lunch at 11:30 with the program beginning at 12 noon at Lake Edge Lutheran Church 4032 Monona Drive, Madison WI 53716. (Parking is behind the church, off Hegg Drive.)
Judge Mitchell was elected to the Dane County Circuit Court in 2016 and serves as a juvenile court judge in Branch Four. He also hears cases involving family reunification, juvenile delinquency, and other civil and criminal proceedings. Judge Mitchell is also the Honorable Reverend Everett Mitchell and pastor of Christ the Solid Rock church. He is well known as a fierce advocate for education and equity and is widely recognized as one of Dane County’s most inspiring speakers. Judge Mitchell will be speaking on Juvenile Justice in Dane County. Your $65 ticket includes a catered lunch by Melly Mel’s (includes vegan and gluten-free options) and makes a significant financial contribution to the work of MOSES. Space is limited and the event may sell out.
Note: A small number of complimentary or reduced-price tickets are available for individuals who are active participants in the work of MOSES who cannot afford the registration fee. Contact James Morgan for more information if you quality.
This video is an excerpt of the first Sentencing Forum specifically dealing with the importance of coming to terms with the sentences given to people who are violent offenders. It also talks about the widespread existence of violence in our society, what happens when we label people as violent offenders and the violence we inflict on people who have caused harm in our society. This video is 26 minutes long. It includes Michael O’Hear, Professor of Law at Marquette University, and Cecelia Klingele, Professor of Law at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
This Zoom event includes many speakers about sentencing in Dane County. It includes informative presentations followed by a Q&A with judicial candidates.
Part 1 is two hours. Speakers include Marquette Law Professor Michael O’Hear, UW Madison Law Professor Cecelia Klingele, Dane County District Attorney Ishmael Ozanne, State Public Defender Catherine Dorl , Judge Nicholas McNamara, people who have been incarcerated, and MOSES members.
Part 2 continues the discussion. It is 1:25 long. It includes statements by many different people who are judges or candidates for judge who were asked to answer specific questions about sentencing after hearing the earlier presentations.
