Glossary

Definitions from Deadline

Clemency - An act of mercy by the president or governor to ease the consequences of a criminal act, accusation, or conviction. In 2002, Illinois held clemency hearings for Illinois’ Death Row inmates. These hearings were designed to help Governor Ryan determine whether to commute the death sentences of the inmates.

Commutation - The reduction of a sentence. In January 2003, Governor Ryan commuted all 167 Death Row inmates' death sentences to sentences of life without parole.

Exonerate - Removal of a charge, responsibility, or duty. Gary Gauger, Anthony Porter and David Keaton were all exonerated after new evidence proved them not guilty of the crimes for which they were convicted. Over 100 Death Row inmates across the United States since 1973 have been exonerated.

Moratorium - a legally authorized postponement of a legal action, such as execution. In January 2000, Governor Ryan declared a moratorium on all executions of Illinois Death Row inmates while a commission he appointed reviewed the administration of the death penalty.

Pardon - An act of grace from a governing power that releases an inmate from the legal penalties of an offense and, in some cases, allows for him/her to be released from prison. In January 2003, Governor Ryan pardoned four inmates on Death Row whom he determined to be innocent.

Parole - Supervised release of a prisoner from imprisonment on certain prescribed conditions. In January 2003, Ryan commuted all Illinois death sentences to life without parole. The 1972 Furman v. Georgia decision allowed for life with parole, and several hundred prisoners were eventually released from prison on parole, usually after serving at least 20 years in prison.