CONFIDENTIAL
but the consideration on which the exercise of the Prerogative is recommended, where they do occur, is that the death sentence differs from any other sentence because of its irrevocable character, and that therefore an element of doubt which would not be strong enough to warrant a reversal of the conviction may nevertheless be sufficient to justify the sub- stitution of a sentence of life imprisonment for the extreme penalty of death."
As you will see, interference on this ground is not necessarily based on new information not known to the jury. It is, rather, a recogni- tion that in a matter of life or death special weight must be given to any uncertainty as to the prisoner's guilt.
Yours sincerely,
Quier
Encs
CONFIDENTIAL
2
CH PRIOR
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