Below is text of the NH Constitution relating to the Governor's power to pardon people. He can pardon for any reason. It's not like an appeal which has strict guidelines. Presidents and Governors can issue full or partial pardons for any reason.
If you look GWB used his pardoning power to reduce Scooter Libby's punishment and set him free but didn't pardon the actual crime. He is still a convicted criminal. WJC gave a full pardon to Susan McDougal, she is not.
The Governor has wide discretion about reasons and remedies.
NH Constitution
[Art.] 52. [Pardoning Power.] The power of pardoning offenses, except such as persons may be convicted of before the senate, by impeachment of the house, shall be in the governor, by and with the advice of council: But no charter of pardon, granted by the governor, with advice of the council, before conviction, shall avail the party pleading the same, notwithstanding any general or particular expressions contained therein, descriptive of the offense or offenses intended to be pardoned.
|