NCJ Number
117217
Date Published
1987
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Based on a 1985 investigation by an Amnesty International mission, this article describes the exercise of executive clemency in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia.
Abstract
Clemency procedures in the four States are described, as are criteria for considering clemency. While the power to commute death sentences to life imprisonment has long been regarded as an important function of the executive prerogative of mercy, the Amnesty International mission found that State authorities in practice take a very narrow view of the role of executive clemency. For example, several prisoners in these States had been denied clemency despite factors that appeared to provide strong grounds for exercising mercy. In addition, many decisions of clemency boards in Louisiana and Texas were not unanimous, but narrowly divided. After recommending clearer guidelines to broaden the concept of clemency, the article describes specific factors that could justify mitigating a death sentence. Footnotes.