Convicted But Not Executed

The mandatory sentence for a capital crime was execution. This means that when a jury found someone guilty of murder or rape, the judge had to sentence them to execution on the gallows. However, some of these convicted individuals were able to avoid execution by having their sentenced commuted, receiving a pardon, or submitting an appeal to the Supreme Court.

 

Definitions

Commutation
The act of reducing (commuting) a sentence, either partially or totally, for a criminal conviction.

Pardon
An act which officially forgives someone for a crime they have convicted of, ending their sentence.

Sentence Reversal
After someone convicted of a crime submits an appeal, the court may overturn their conviction, and their sentence may be reversed (ended).

Acquittal
When a jury rules after a trial that the defendant is not guilty.

 

Commutations and Pardons of Capital Crimes, 1872 - 1890

Before 1890, there was no Court of Appeals. Individuals who were found guilty could only escape the gallows if the President of the United States commuted their sentence or issued a pardon.

The table below lists the individuals who were convicted of a capital crime prior to 1890 but received a commuted sentence or full pardon from the President.

Commutations and Pardons of Capital Crimes from 1872 to 1890

Last Name	First Name	Crime	Date Convicted	Date to be Executed	Final Disposition

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Reversals and Acquittals of Capital Crimes after 1890

After 1890, defendants could submit an appeal to the Supreme Court. Many verdicts were reversed, and defendants received new trials. The table below lists the individuals who received a new trial after submitting an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Reversals and Acquittals of Capital Crimes after 1890

Last Name	First Name	Crime	Date Convicted	Date to be Executed	Final Disposition

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