CHAPTER 2: Capital Clemency in the Twentieth Century PUTTING ILLINOIS IN CONTEXT.

Chapter 2 of the book "Mercy on Trial: What It Means to Stop an Execution," by Austin Sarat is presented. It explores the uses of capital clemency by other governors such as Lee Cruce and Winthrop Rockefeller which could illuminate the traditions and historical context of executive clemency to support the decisions of George Ryan. It points to problems intrinsic to traditions on clemency based on politics and personal morality that provide insight on the trials of mercy in the killing state.