Frontier Justice 1. The Constitution of 1819, Article IV, Section II, gave the Governor of Alabama the power to grant reprieves and pardons in all criminal and penal cases, except those of treason and impeachment, and to remit fines and forfeitures. Citizens frequently wrote to the Governor to plead for or against the pardon of a convicted criminal. The Governors' Papers contain correspondence, petitions, legal documents, etc., relating to pardons from crimes, parole from sentences and remission of fines imposed.
Most items give details of the crime, and of the criminals' background and family life.
The Secretary of State kept a record of pardon and parole certificates issued by the Governor. Identify legal terms and explain their meaning. Identify constitutional powers given to the governor relative to crimes committed. Explain the role of the Secretary of State in relation to pardons and paroles. Give the students about five to seven minutes to read the cases and petitions.