Q: Before the recent execution of Troy Davis, the state Board of Pardons and Paroles denied mercy to Davis, even though it was within its power to do so. Who and what is the state Board of Pardons and Paroles? How many people are on the board, how do they become part of the board and how long do they serve on the board?
—Renee Vanderboom, Norcross
A: The five members of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles are appointed by the governor. They are full-time employees, appointed to seven-year staggered terms. Board members have the sole discretion to vote on the release of Georgia prison inmates and have Georgia's only statutory authority to commute a death sentence, according to the department's website. The chairman is James E. Donald, former commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections, whose term runs from Jan. 5, 2009-Dec. 31, 2015. Other Board members are: Vice Chairman Albert Murray (term runs from May 15, 2010-Dec. 31, 2016), L. Gale Buckner (term runs from Jan. 1, 2005-Dec. 31, 2011), Robert E. Keller (term runs from Jan. 3, 2007-Dec. 31, 2013) and Terry Barnard (term runs from May 15, 2010-Dec. 31, 2017). The board, created by a Constitutional amendment in 1943, reviews more than 15,000 cases annually.
Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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