Bill would limit and require reasons for pardons

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would ban pardons for public officials convicted of corruption offenses committed while in office or to gain an economic benefit for themselves or a third party.
2. Pardons would have to be granted by a reasoned royal decree explaining the reasons of justice, equity, public utility, or social reintegration. Without those reasons, the decision would be void and would not be carried out.
3. A full pardon would require the sentencing judge or court to find that there are reasons of justice, equity, public utility, or the inmate's social reintegration.
4. The Government would have to send the Justice Committee of the Congress of Deputies copies of all pardons every six months, and the Committee could request full case files. The rule would also apply to cases already in process.

Who it affects

• Public officials convicted of corruption offenses: They could not receive a pardon if the bill is passed.
• Convicted persons seeking a full pardon: Granting it would also depend on the sentencing court's judgment.
• The Government: It would have to give reasons for every pardon and report to Congress every six months.
• The Justice Committee of the Congress of Deputies: It could review pardons and request full case files.

Words worth knowing

Indulto (pardon)

A Government decision that fully or partially forgives the sentence imposed on a convicted person.

Real decreto motivado (reasoned royal decree)

A Government order that must state in writing the reasons justifying the decision.

Junta de Tratamiento (Treatment Board)

The body in a prison that decides on inmates' daily life and leave permits.

It summarizes the text as it was introduced. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries