Pardons: The Right to Pardon and the Spanish Politics

Abstract

The recent granting of pardons to Catalan independence supporters has provoked a profound political and legal debate. The right to pardon and its limits have been reviewed, as well as the Executive’s capacity to overturn court decisions. The constitutional role of the King, who must sign pardons, has also been brought into the public arena. Added to all this is the haughtiness of those pardoned and the veiled promise to repeat the events, while political groups wish to challenge the government’s decision.