Bush approves soldier's execution... Jul 29, 2008
Bush approves soldier's execution - Mike Allen - Politico. While approving a sentence of death for a member of our Armed Services is a serious and difficult decision for a Commander-in-Chief, the President believes the facts of this case leave no doubt that the sentence is just and warranted. (The Drudge Report)
Is Abodakpi Home Free? Jun 16, 2008
What article 72 is saying is that the President may (a) pardon; (b) grant a respite; (c) commute a sentence; (d) remit the whole or part of a punishment. (a) Pardon simply means forgiveness. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Execution set for today, despite questionable defense Jun 4, 2008
The state Board of Pardons and Paroles, which under the Georgia Constitution is the only entity that can commute a sentence, declined Osborne's plea for mercy Monday. With that decision made and all possible court challenges resolved, any successful last-minute maneuvering seems unlikely. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Pardon Me, Mr. President Mar 26, 2008
The president also can decide to pardon or commute a sentence for anyone he wishes. Some of the more notable pardons and commutations have included President Clinton's pardon of Marc Rich, who fled the country after facing tax evasion charges; Bush's commutation of Libby's prison sentence; and President Ford's pardon of President Nixon. (Fox News)
There is help for victims of crime Jan 8, 2008
When a defendant is found guilty and sentenced, the victim has a right to know projected and actual release dates, parole/probation hearings, death of the defendant or a decision by the governor to commute a sentence or to grant a pardon. Victims have the right to be at all criminal proceedings when the defendant has the same right, even if the victim plans to testify. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Death Penalty Opponents Celebrate Perry's Decision Aug 31, 2007
It's unusual for the parole board to recommend the governor commute a sentence, so they're saying thanks to those who supported their struggle. The background in this case goes back 11 years. (K-Eye News, TX)
Governor spares death row inmate's life Aug 31, 2007
It was an unusual move for the governor to commute a sentence so close to an execution. The last death penalty case to be commuted was the Henry Lee, commuted by then Governor Bush, said Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokeswoman Michelle Lyons. (KHOU.com, TX)
White House: Libby Pardon Not Off the Table Jul 4, 2007
"I don't have direct knowledge, but on the other hand, the president did consult with senior officials and I'm sure that everybody had an opportunity to share their views , Snow told reporters in his daily briefing. Bush decided Monday to commute Libby's 30-month prison sentence but keep in place the felony conviction, the $250,000 fine and two years of probation. The announcement came just five hours after a federal appeals panel ruled that Libby could not delay his prison term while he appeals... (Fox News)
Bush spurned lobbying, Justice in Libby decision Jul 3, 2007
For the first time in his presidency, Bush made a decision to commute a sentence without going through a process of running requests through lawyers at the Justice Department, White House officials said. He also did not ask the chief prosecutor in the case, Patrick Fitzgerald, for his input, as routinely happens in cases routed through the Justice Department's pardon attorney. (FOX59, IN)
Gov. Romney held fast against pardons Jun 14, 2007
" Pardons and commutations can be fraught with political peril. In 1995, Massachusetts Gov. William Weld, a Republican, commuted the sentence of Joseph Yandle, who spent 23 years in jail for murder. Yandle said he became addicted to heroin while serving in the Vietnam War and his addiction contributed to his crimes. Two years after his release, Yandle was sent back to prison after it was revealed he lied about being in the war. In 1988, a furlough helped undermine the Democratic presidential bid... (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Teen oral sex case should be over by now Jun 13, 2007
Yes, the prosecutor may have a valid argument on appeal in that an argument could be made that the court may not be able to commute a sentence to a penalty that was statutorily prohibited at the time of sentencing. But so could the argument be made that the court's inherent powers to right a wrong, to correct an injustice, are broad and lie within the sound discretion of the trier of fact. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Quality of mercy figures in statutes Oct 13, 2006
NEW DELHI: The power to grant pardon or commute a sentence delivered by a court of law is not something that emperors with divine rights had. Most modern democracies in the world with judicial systems that are above reproach, have in place systems of one kind or another to grant pardon or clemency. (India Times, India -- Community News)
