Prerogative of Mercy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In the British tradition the Prerogative of Mercy is one of the historic Royal Prerogatives of the British monarch in which he or she can grant pardons to convicted persons. In actual practice this power has been delegated to politicians.

The Royal Prerogative of Mercy was originally used to permit the monarch to withdraw death sentences, but is now used to change any sentence or penalty.