Scope and Content: By its constitutional authority to provide advice and consent to the governor, the Council approves the granting of pardons, including commutations and respites (Const Pt 2, C 2, S 1, Art 8).  Pardon files include all relevant information concerning petitions for pardons and commutations that the governor has approved and now require the Council’s endorsement. –Each file may contain petitions for pardon sent to the governor by or on behalf of a person convicted of a crime; reports and recommendations from the Parole Board (known in this capacity as the Advisory Board of Pardons), which include a description of each offense and conviction for which a pardon is sought; letters opposing or supporting the pardon, including those of recommendation verifying the applicant’s period of good citizenship; correspondence among interested parties concerning the status of petitions; and a copy of the letter from the governor to the Council advising it of his decision.  Some files contain transcripts of hearings.  Included is one document box containing typewritten alphabetical lists of persons pardoned in 1963, 1964, 1969, and 1970 and one containing sets of index cards of persons pardoned, 1953-1964. –For additional files see: Council files ((M-Ar)378).  For related materials, 1861-1890, see: Massachusetts. Governor. Executive department letters ((M-Ar)567X).  For a listing of other related series see: Massachusetts. Office of the Secretary of State. Records of commissions, proclamations, pardons, and other official documents, 1713-1945 (bulk 1747-1936)((M-Ar)161X)
Arrangement: Arranged chronologically by year or year span, thereunder alphabetically by petitioner
Restrictions: Correspondence: Evaluative information restricted by statutory provision; for conditions of access consult repository; MGLA c 4, s 7, c 26 (c) and c 66A
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