State governors have the authority to consider and grant or deny clemency or stays of execution for individuals sentenced to death.
October 14, 2025
high
legal
Clemency and stays are executive actions available in many U.S. jurisdictions as part of the post-conviction process for death row inmates.
People sentenced to death typically pursue multiple post-conviction remedies such as appeals, requests for new trials, and clemency petitions.
high
procedural
Post-conviction processes in capital cases commonly include appellate litigation, motions for retrial, and executive clemency requests.