§ 22. Sir David Rentonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he accepts that the effect of a free pardon in the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy is to quash the conviction.
§ Mr. JohnA free pardon does not quash a conviction in the same way that the Court of Appeal can quash a conviction, because that is a judicial process and the exercise of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy is outside the judicial process. It is, however, generally accepted that a free pardon has the effect of wiping out the conviction and all its consequences.