One of the common powers granted to executives is the pardon. It's a check in the constant balance of power, making sure that deserving individuals or the wrongfully convicted don't fall through the cracks.
But how many pardons are right for an executive to give out? Five? Twenty-five?
How about almost 200? And not in the entirety of a career, but simply on the last day of office? That's the case with outgoing Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour who issued 199 pardons on his last day in office, including 14 convicted murderers. Several of those pardoned took part in an inmate trusties program at the governor's mansion where inmates work on the grounds in reward for good behavior.
Families of some of the victims are noticeably upset about the decision and the general consensus seems to be that- no matter what the powers of the executive branch may be, perhaps 200 is a bit too many.
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