Pardon
Pardon, in law, an official release from the legal penalties of a crime. A pardon may be an act of clemency, or leniency, or may be granted on the ground that the convict has apparently reformed, or because the evidence indicates he was innocent of the crime. A pardon is normally full, but may be conditional. Under a conditional pardon the convict must meet some condition before the release becomes effective. A full pardon blots out the guilt. In some states a pardon does not remove disqualification for public office or for a license for certain professions.
The U.S. Constitution gives the President the power “to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment” (Article II, Section 2). Most governors have the power to pardon, but in several states the action must be ratified by the Senate or a council. In some states the governor has a board to advise him. Sometimes pardons are granted by boards, which may or may not include the governor.