The governor may, likewise, commute the punishment from death to imprisonment for life, upon the certificate of the supreme court, entered on the minutes of the court, that in its opinion, there were extenuating circumstances attending the case, and that the punishment ought to be commuted.
Code 1858, § 5259; Shan., § 7234; Code 1932, § 11840; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 40-3506.
Rule Reference. This section is referred to in Rule 12 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee.
Law Reviews.
Adjudicating Claims of Innocence for the Capitally Condemned in Tennessee: Embracing a Truth Forum (Dwight Aarons), 76 Tenn. L. Rev. 511 (2009).
Survey of Tennessee Constitutional Law in 1976-77, VII. Reprieves, Pardons, and Commutations (Kenneth L. Penegar), 46 Tenn. L. Rev. 153.
Structure 2021 Tennessee Code
Chapter 27 - Executive Clemency
§ 40-27-101. Power of Governor
§ 40-27-102. Conditions and Restrictions — Warrants
§ 40-27-103. Return of Governor's Warrant
§ 40-27-104. Remission of Imprisonment
§ 40-27-105. Commutation of Death Penalty on Application for Pardon
§ 40-27-106. Commutation on Certificate of Supreme Court
§ 40-27-107. Record of Reasons for Clemency
§ 40-27-108. Restoration of Citizenship on Pardon of Manslaughter