Abstract
This comment explores how Virginia's disenfranchisement law originated, how it has managed to survive throughout Virginia's history, and whether it may be vulnerable to various legal challenges. Part II outlines the history of felony disenfranchisement in Virginia. Part III analyzes common policy justifications for the current law and discusses the widely held beliefs about the role of race in the law's inception. Part IV examines legal challenges to similar laws in the federal courts and evaluates the potential for success of comparable challenges in Virginia. Part V looks to recent attempts at enacting solutions at the state level. Part VI offers thoughts and recommendations for the future.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2012
Recommended Citation
Dori Elizabeth Martin, Comment, Lifting the Fog: Ending Felony Disenfranchisement in Virginia, 47 U. Rich. L. Rev. 741 (2012).