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Ask Michigan Governor to Commute Battered Women's Sentences
  1. Signatures
    277 out of 500
    Petitioning
    1. The Governor of MI
  2. Created By
    Alex DiBranco
    New York, NY
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) is on her way out of office, but local activists have a suggestion for her before she goes: commute the sentences of domestic abuse victims who didn't receive a fair trial.

Many of the women the Michigan Battered Women's Clemency Project are fighting for have been in prison for decades, while an understanding of battered women's syndrome has only recently began to permeate the criminal justice system. They never had a chance at justice.

 

Gov. Granholm rejected the 20 women's clemency petitions before, probably out of a desire to appear tough on crime for a re-election bid. But now that she's on her way out, the call to action is timely.

Please sign this petition to ask Granholm to make one of her last actions as governor a gesture on behalf of battered women. She holds the lives of 20 women in her hands, 20 women who were victimized first by their partners and then by a flawed justice system.

Photo credit: Center for American Progress

Recent Signatures

Commute Sentences of Battered Women Prisoners

Dear Gov. Granholm

On your way out of office, please take a moment to consider leaving a lasting legacy for women's and human rights: commute the sentences of domestic abuse victims who didn't receive a fair trial.

The Michigan Battered Women's Clemency Project has repeatedly called upon you to commute the sentences of 20 women sentenced to harsh prison terms despite extenuating circumstances. Many of the women they are fighting for have been in prison for decades, while an understanding of battered women's syndrome has only recently began to permeate the criminal justice system. They never had a chance at justice.

If you head this plea, your action would mirror that of Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher in 2007, who left office with a win for women's rights when he granted clemency and early parole to 21 incarcerated domestic violence survivors. "Our legal system is the best in the world but it is not perfect," he said on that occasion.

Please make one of your last actions as governor a gesture on behalf of battered women. You hold the lives of 20 women in her hands, 20 women who were victimized first by their partners and then by a flawed justice system.

[Your name]

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