Overview

• Outgoing Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has pardoned 56 inmates, 40 of whom were convicted murderers.
• The pardons were part of Edwards' efforts to reduce the state's prison population, which is one of the highest per capita in the world.
• Among those pardoned were individuals convicted of first and second degree murder, including those who had been on death row.
• Edwards' term ends on January 8, 2024, and he will be succeeded by Republican Jeff Landry.
• Edwards has faced criticism for his decision, with some arguing that it could lead to an increase in crime.