In the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Catholic Law Professor Cara H. Drinan urges Governor Northam to exercise clemency in a robust manner in order to address the correctional crisis that COVID-19 presents.

Richmond Times-Dispatch
By: Cara Drinan
Date: April 16, 2020
Clemency in a time of COVID-19

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"There are more than 60,000 adults and children behind bars in Virginia, and these individuals are uniquely vulnerable to COVID-19. Nationwide, the percentage of prisoners older than age 55 has increased steadily for two decades. In addition, prisoners live in close quarters, often with inadequate basic hygiene, let alone quality health care. Social distancing in prison is nearly impossible"

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As a result, she describes, all Virginia residents are at risk if the correctional population is not reduced. In Drinan's piece, she describes the legal authority that Governor Northam has to release individuals safely and judiciously.