President's Amnesty Program and Subsequent Department of Justice Actions

Information was presented on the President's pardon proclamation and subsequent Department of Justice actions in response to a request concerning Justice compliance with funding restrictions contained in P.L. 95-26 and P.L. 95-86. The proclamation was immediately effective and entitled individuals did not have to take any action to obtain pardons, but the proclamation excluded persons who committed certain offenses. Procedures established by the Office of the Pardon Attorney do not fall within restrictions of the legislation since they do not involve dismissal of pending indictments or investigations or violations of the Military Selective Service Act. The following Justice actions were taken within the scope of the legislation: (1) in compliance with an Executive Order, orders were given to hold investigations under the act in abeyance and to make no further arrests of fugitives; and (2) to dismiss investigations in which indictments were not issued or were dismissed. About 2,400 indictments were dismissed for violations covered by the executive order. There was no available information on any substantive actions taken after May 4, 1977, with regard to dismissal of pending indictments for violation of the act or termination of investigations of violations between August 4, 1964, and March 28, 1973, but some action may have been taken to close pending cases.