Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON)

The Office of the Pardon Attorney’s (Pardon Attorney) primary function is to receive, evaluate, and investigate clemency applications and prepare the recommendation of the Department as to the appropriate disposition of each application for the signature of the Deputy Attorney General and consideration by the President.  The Pardon Attorney also responds to inquiries concerning executive clemency petitions and the clemency process from applicants, their legal representatives, members of the public, elected officials, and various federal, state, and local officials and agencies; prepares all necessary documents to effect the President’s decision to grant, as well as deny clemency; and notifies each clemency applicant of the President’s decision concerning his or her clemency request once such decisions are final.  When requested by the White House, the Pardon Attorney also provides general advice to the President concerning executive clemency procedures and the historical background of clemency matters. FOIA Reference Guide FOIA Regulations