Legal Definitions - board of pardons

A Board of Pardons is a state government agency responsible for reviewing criminal convictions and deciding whether to grant a pardon. A pardon is an official act of forgiveness that can remove some or all of the legal consequences of a conviction. The governor of the state is typically a member of this board, or at least plays a significant role in its decisions.

Here are some examples illustrating the function of a Board of Pardons:

• Example 1: Restoring Rights After Rehabilitation

  Imagine a person named Sarah who was convicted of a non-violent felony twenty years ago. She served her time, completed parole, and has since built a successful career, raised a family, and become a highly respected volunteer in her community. However, her past conviction still prevents her from holding certain professional licenses and voting in some elections. Sarah can apply to the state's Board of Pardons, presenting evidence of her rehabilitation and positive contributions to society. The board would review her case, potentially hold a hearing, and decide whether to recommend or grant a pardon, which could restore her full civic rights and remove the remaining legal barriers from her past.

• Example 2: Addressing Outdated Laws or Perceived Injustice

  Consider a scenario where a state's laws regarding certain minor drug offenses have significantly changed over time, with penalties becoming much less severe or even decriminalized. There might be individuals still serving lengthy sentences or living with the lifelong consequences of convictions under the old, harsher laws. The Board of Pardons could initiate a review of these cases, or individuals could apply, arguing that their convictions, while legal at the time, are now disproportionate to current societal views or legal standards. The board might then issue pardons to a group of these individuals, aligning their legal status with contemporary justice principles.

• Example 3: Governor's Involvement in High-Profile Cases

  Suppose a prominent local activist was convicted of a politically charged misdemeanor many years ago, a conviction that some now view as an overreach of power by a previous administration. The activist has since dedicated their life to public service and has widespread community support. The Board of Pardons, with the governor often participating in the deliberations, would carefully examine the original conviction, the activist's subsequent conduct, and the broader public interest. If the board, including the governor, determines that a pardon is warranted due to the unique circumstances, the individual's long-standing good character, and the perceived historical injustice, they would issue the official pardon.