[sadimgnik]

My reading of the founders leads me to believe that if you are justly convicted and in jail you lose your rights. If you are free, you have your rights.

---

As it happens, I agree with you ... when you have served your time, all rights should be restored, IMHO.

But that then leads us to some ugly problems .. like what do we do about some state's laws that say reformed felons are forever denied the right to vote?

Sadim

[RKV]

Impeach a few judges?

[El Gato]

like what do we do about some state's laws that say reformed felons are forever denied the right to vote?

For purpose of state and local elections, that's up to the states, just as minimum voting age is. In many states felons can of course petition, usually the courts, to have their rights restored. IIRC, the principal in this case did just that in Texas Courts, but unfortunately state courts have no jurisdiction over federal agencies, like the BATF or over Congress.