Powers and Responsibilities
The Constitution grants the Governor the power to grant commutations, pardons and paroles for all offenses against the State upon such conditions and with such restrictions and limitations as he may deem appropriate. However, the Governor can not exercise these powers unless he submits the name of the individual to the Board. The Board will then review the applicant for clemency. The Board is responsible for making an impartial investigation and study of applicants for clemency.
If a majority of the Board votes in favor of the clemency, the Governor is empowered to make such acts of clemency for the individual as he deems necessary. However, the Board has no authority to make recommendations regarding parole for convicts sentenced to death or sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. However, the Board may recommend commutations and pardons for such offenses. The Board's authority, however, can not limit the Governor's power to grant, after conviction, reprieves, or leaves of absence not to exceed sixty days without the consent of the Board.
Read more about this topic: Oklahoma Pardon And Parole Board
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