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State and Consumer Initiatlv€'<;

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Infographic: Pardon Power
February8,2013

There are three basic decision-making s tructures states use to grant pardons.
In six states, an independent board makes the pardon decision and pardons
tend to be more consistent as politics plays virtually no part in the process. In
20 states, the governor shares the power with a board of high-level officials or
gubernatorial appoin tees . This structure usually produces a relatively small
number of regular pardons . In the remaining 24 states , the re is virtually no
restriction on the governor's pardon power and the number of pardons is
largely reflective of the personal philosophy of the executive.
Shared Power
State

Independent

Gov.,mor

Galeket>per

Advisory

Board

on Board

Board

Board

Governor's
Deci sion

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Matyland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Nnrth n::llrntR

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Ohio
Oklahoma
oregon
Pennsylvania

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Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah

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vennont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Independent boaId
The pardon power is exercised
by a governor-appointed board
that is also responsible for prison
releases. These independent
pardoning boards are heavily
regulated in terms of their
procedures, and conduct most
of their business in public.

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Shared Power
Gwemor on Board: The pardon
decision is made by a board, and
the governor is also a member.
Gatekeeper Board: The board
must issue an affirmative
recommendation before the
governor can grant a pardon.
Advisory board: The constitution

Governor's Decision
The constitution imposes no prior
restrictions on the governor's
pardon power, though some
constitutions pennit a degree of
legislative regulation ofthe
"manner of applying," and some
require the governor to report to
the legislature about pardons
granted after the fact.

requires the governor to consult
with an administrative board
before granting a pardon .

• In !'Iabama and Soulh Carolina the governor remalns responsible for cl3mency in capital cases. and in Idaho the governor must ar.prove the board's
deClsbn to pardon certain sa"ious crimes .
•• In California the governor is required to consult with tho parole board. and soEk approval at the state sUpl9mo court. in rocldi'llist easElS only.