Ohio Government/Constitution Practice Exam

Who has the power to grant pardons in Ohio?

1. The Lieutenant Governor

2. The Attorney General

3. The Governor

4. The Ohio Supreme Court

The correct answer is: The Governor

In Ohio, the authority to grant pardons is vested in the Governor. This power is part of the executive branch of the state government, which allows the Governor to exercise discretion in matters of criminal justice. Pardons can be granted as a way to forgive a crime, lift the penalties imposed by a conviction, and restore certain rights to the individual. The Governor's ability to grant pardons is derived from both the state constitution and statutory law, providing a check on the judicial system and acting as a means of overseeing criminal justice matters. This power enables the Governor to show leniency in cases where they believe the punishment may no longer fit the crime or when there are extenuating circumstances. Other officials, such as the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, or the Ohio Supreme Court, do not possess this specific authority to grant pardons. The Lieutenant Governor serves mainly as an executive partner to the Governor, the Attorney General focuses on legal representation for the state, and the Supreme Court primarily handles matters of legal interpretation and appeals rather than clemency decisions. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the unique role of the Governor in the state's criminal justice system.