On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker declared Florida’s process of restoring felon’s civil rights unconstitutional. Walker criticized the “absolute veto authority” Governor Rick Scott has on the process, and has ordered a permanent remedy be in place by February 12th. Andrew Quintana recently sat down with the Program Director for Florida State University’s Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Mark Schlakman. The two discussed Florida’s current restoration process and what changes Governor Scott and the cabinet, which make up the state clemency board, can make by the deadline.
Interview Highlights:
- Schlakman describes Florida's strict guidelines toward the restoration of felon rights
- U.S. District Judge Mark Walker calls Florida's felon restoration process unconstitutional
- Schlakman explains the implications of the ruling and of the state's current policy
- Schlakman's analysis on how the ruling will play out
*Edit 2/3/18: Edited to correct the spelling of Mark Schlakman's name.
