Bredesen Grants Executive Clemency

Press Release

Governor Phil Bredesen today granted twenty-two pardons, four commutations and one exoneration. The commutations included the commutation of the sentence for death row inmate Edward Jerome Harbison to life without the possibility of parole. None of these actions results in the release of any person from prison.

All of the pardons related to cases committed some time ago and in each case sentences have been served or probationary periods completed. Sixteen of the pardons are granted at the recommendation of the Board of Probation and Parole (BOPP). An additional seven pardons concern cases where the BOPP had declined a review because the technical requirements set by the Governor had not been met. No pardons were issued against the recommendation of the BOPP.

Four sentences were commuted, including the commutation to life in prison without the possibility of parole for Mr. Harbison. The other three commutations were to make the individuals eligible to be considered for parole in August 2012.

There was one exoneration of an individual, where the alleged victim recanted her testimony and the District Attorney dismissed the charges.

"I've looked at these cases for a long time," said Bredesen. "I believe they represent a responsible and humane exercise of the governor's power and best serve the interests of fairness and justice."

Source