When is a pardon typically exercised?

A pardon is typically exercised after an individual has been convicted of a crime. It essentially serves as an act of clemency that absolves the convicted person of the legal consequences of their crime, either fully or partially. This can lead to the restoration of rights that may have been lost due to the conviction, such as the right to vote or hold public office.

In most cases, individuals who are pardoned have already faced the judicial process and received a sentence, making the focus on past convictions rather than future possibilities. A pardon may be granted for various reasons, including demonstrating good behavior after incarceration, showing remorse, or in some instances, addressing potential issues of justice or fairness related to the original sentencing.

Individuals who are not yet convicted or who are about to be convicted would not typically be eligible for a pardon, as the process is aimed at those who have already been formally adjudicated in a court of law. Serving a sentence often pertains to individuals who have already been convicted and are undergoing punishment; they, too, may seek a pardon as part of their rehabilitation or reintegration efforts post-incarceration.