Correcting a Fundamental Unfairness through the Clemency Process
Northeastern Law’s Center for Public Interest Advocacy and Collaboration is proud to host:
A Conversation with William Allen:
Correcting a Fundamental Unfairness Through the Clemency Process
Monday, November 14, 2022 | 12:50-2:00 PM | 240 Dockser Hall
In January 2022, William Allen was granted clemency by Governor Baker after 28 years of incarceration for felony murder for his participation in a robbery. William and his attorney, Patty DeJuneas, fought for years to convince Baker and the Governor’s Council to commute his sentence, which is a constitutionally provided procedure for individuals serving life without the possibility of parole. At this event, William and Patty talked about the clemency process, Allen’s many successes while incarcerated, the unavailability of programming for lifers and barriers to re-entry.
Despite being sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, William advocated for himself to gain access to programs that are normally not available for those sentenced to life. While in prison, William completed 45 programs and continuing education including Alternatives to Violence and Restorative Justice which he testified were among the most valuable. William maintained employment throughout his time in prison, working as a referee, barber, and special needs assistant among other positions. William has also been involved in the Companion Program since 2014 where, as the Advisory Board of Pardons said, “he has demonstrated a genuine level of compassion and empathy” in his work with the chronically mentally ill prison population. In his 2022 testimony before the Governor’s Council, William testified, “The Companion Program, which is one of the best programs ever made designed and approved by the department of corrections is where I first truly experienced hope.” In 2011, William was praised for intervening to prevent an inmate from attacking a female correctional officer at Bridgewater State Hospital.
Nov 14, 2022
12:50 pm to 2:00 pm