Article Third.
Article Third

Section 5. Governor may grant pardons and reprieves

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Governor may grant pardons and reprieves

The governor shall have the power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons after conviction, for all offenses except treason and cases of impeachment, upon such conditions, and with such restrictions and limitations, as he may think proper, subject to such regulation as may be provided by law relative to the manner of applying for pardons. Upon conviction of treason, he shall have power to suspend the execution of the sentence until the case shall be reported to the legislature at its next meeting, when the legislature shall either pardon or commute the sentence, direct the execution of the sentence, or grant a further reprieve. He shall annually communicate to the legislature each case of reprieve, commutation, or pardon granted, stating the name of the convict, the crime of which he was convicted, the sentence and its date, and the date of the commutation, pardon, or reprieve.

Governor's general powers

The governor shall be commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces of the state. He shall have power to convene the legislature (or the senate only) on extraordinary occasions. He shall communicate by message to the legislature, at every session, the condition of the state, and recommend such matters to them as he shall judge expedient. He shall transact all necessary business with the officers of government, civil and military. He shall expedite all such measures as may be resolved upon by the legislature, and shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed. He shall, at stated times, receive for his services a compensation, to be established by law, which shall neither be increased nor diminished after his election, or during his continuance in office.

Governor may grant pardons and reprieves

The governor shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons after conviction, for all offences, except treason and cases of impeachment. Upon convictions for treason, he shall have power to suspend the execution of the sentence, until the case shall be reported to the legislature at its next meeting; when the legislature shall either pardon, or direct the execution of the criminal, or grant a farther reprieve.

Governor's general powers

The governor shall be general and commander in chief of all the militia, and admiral of the navy of the state. He shall have power to convene the legislature, (or the senate only) on extraordinary occasions. He shall communicate by message to the legislature at every session, the condition of the state; and recommend such matters to them as he shall judge expedient. He shall transact all necessary business with the officers of government, civil and military. He shall expedite all such measures as may be resolved upon by the legislature, and shall take care that the laws are faithfully executed. He shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished, during the term for which he shall have been elected.

This item is based on 2 items:

1777 Article XVIII

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1777 Article XIX

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That the governor shall continue in office three years, and shall, by virtue of his office, be general and commander in chief of all the militia, and admiral of the navy of this state; that he shall have power to convene the assembly and senate on extraordinary occasions, to prorogue them from time to time, provided such prorogations shall not exceed sixty days in the space of any one year; and at his discretion to grant reprieves and pardon to persons convicted of crimes, other than treason or murder, in which he may suspend the execution of the sentence, until it shall be reported to the legislature at their subsequent meeting; and they shall either pardon or direct the execution of the criminal, or grant a further reprieve.

2 items are based on this item:

1822 Article Third. Section IV

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1822 Article Third. Section V

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Redlined Comparison between 1777 and 1847 Amendment (includes interim changes)

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