A government pardon is a formal pardon for a crime, accompanied by a reduced sentence. Heads of state usually have the authority to grant pardons, and inmates must submit an application that documents the situation and provides compelling arguments for granting a pardon. The pardon does not cancel the record nor does it cancel the sentence. The process of reviewing pardon applications and determining when to grant a government pardon is complex and can be tense.
A government pardon is a formal pardon for a crime, accompanied by a reduced sentence. Depending on the nature of the crime and the country, pardons can come from a variety of sources. Heads of state usually have the authority to grant pardons, and people such as state governors may also be able to do so. To receive a pardon, inmates must submit an application that documents the situation and provides compelling arguments for granting a pardon.
The pardon does not cancel the record nor does it cancel the sentence. The government, on the other hand, pardons the prisoner for committing the crime and reduces the sentence. A government pardon can result in immediate release from prison if the prisoner has served enough time to satisfy the government. In a related concept, commutation, the government reduces the sentence but does not condone the crime. Usually, inmates are assisted by an attorney with experience in the criminal justice system in the process of drafting a pardon application and soliciting support.
People can use a variety of arguments when asking for a government pardon. One option is to ask for forgiveness on compassionate grounds, usually for a very ill or frail prisoner. The pardon request may suggest that the prisoner should be able to die at home, rather than endure sickness in prison. Other prisoners may focus on their age at the time of the crime, asking forgiveness due to extreme youth. Pardon applications may also focus on reforming an inmate, asking for leniency from the government on the grounds that the inmate has turned his life in a different direction and wants to contribute to the community outside of prison.
The process of reviewing pardon applications and determining when to grant a government pardon is complex and can be tense. Politicians are usually reluctant to position themselves as “soft on crime” and may feel as though they need to deny clemency requests for particularly horrific or high-profile crimes. People who leave office may be more inclined to offer pardons because relapses aren’t a big concern for them.
The government pardon will include a formal written declaration as well as an order to release the prisoner or to reduce the sentence accordingly. The media often covers these events because pardons are relatively rare and in cases where the government grants a request, there may be a human interest story behind the proceedings.
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