For the latest in our Carolina Curious series, we're taking a closer look at a major power the governor of North Carolina has. Listener Leigh Leverenz has been wondering about this:
I'm curious about the fact that our governor has the ability to pardon individuals who have gone through our well-developed judicial system and can set them free.
So, does the pardon process undermine the state's judicial system? WFDD's Keri Brown and Sean Bueter did some digging to find the answer to that question.
North Carolina's top executive is Governor Roy Cooper. And he has a decent amount of power. He can appoint executive branch officials, some judges, and members of boards and commissions. The governor can also veto legislation.
And one of the most controversial things he can do is grant clemency.
Clemency means showing leniency or mercy. It's a way to tamp do