Clemency is a disposition to show mercy, especially toward and offender or enemy. Pardon is to release (a person) from punishment; exempt from penalty: a convicted criminal who was pardoned by the governor. The clemency process varies from state to state, typically including the governor and/or a board of advisors.
Governor Ryan gave clemency to 156 death row inmates and granted clemency to 11 inmates awaiting sentencing in Illinois. Clemency is granted for humanitarian reasons. Governor Ryan had doubts about the defendant's guilt, questions about the defendant's mental capacity and th…
