Sample Letter Request for Clemency

An example petition letter to a governor to request clemency for a Death Row prisoner.

Dear Governor,

We the citizens of your State are writing to request that you commute Simone Cowell's death sentence to life without the possibility of parole for the following reasons:

• The DNA evidence was inconclusive.
• Witness testimony was recanted
• The condemned man is clinically diagnosed with progressive mental retardation

As you know, the Atkins v. Virginia (2002) ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court declared that execution of the mentally retarded is unconstitutional.

Moreover, Govenor, it is unjust and unmerciful of your state to execute anyone whose guilt is not 100% proven.

Thank you for considering this request for clemency for Mr. Simone Cowell.

Respectfully yours,
Justin Honors