Complex sentence: The decision was that if the prisoner does not accept the pardon, it is not in effect: A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance.
Split into simpler sentences: The decision was that if the prisoner does not accept the pardon, then it is not in effect. The court stated: A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance.