Reading Room Document
Federal Action to Restore Civil and Political Rights to Convicted Persons
The document discusses the feasibility and desirability of federal legislation to restore the rights of convicted persons. It explores the potential methods of restoring rights, the constitutional authority for such acts, and the limitations on federal authority. The document also addresses the policy decisions that need to be made before drafting federal legislation, such as the category of federal offenders to which the legislation should apply, the removal of federal disqualifications and disabilities, and the disclosure of information relating to the offense and conviction of an amnestied offender. The conclusion reached is that federal legislation to restore the federal rights of convicted persons is both feasible and desirable, but certain policy decisions need to be made before drafting such legislation.
The OLC's Opinions
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