Prerogative of Mercy
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For the prerogative in Rwanda, see Prerogative of mercy (Rwanda). For other uses, see Pardon.
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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 the Secretary of State for Justice in England and Wales and the Scottish Ministers in Scotland.
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.
This Royal Prerogative power became reviewable by the courts in the key case of Derek Bentley.
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