commutation

A release from sentence is called a commutation. It's not a pardon where the sentence itself is nullified. A commutation of sentence still maintains that the individual is guilty, but has been deemed to have been redeemed in the eyes of the law.

The power of commutation is a power only given to the president of the United States and is the power to commute (reduce) the length of a sentence or a fine by a court.

Commutation

In Pennsylvania, a person serving a LIFE sentence is not eligible for parole. The only way a lifer can be released from prison in PA is to (1) have his conviction overturned; (2) receive a commutation of his sentence from the Governor of Pennsylvania; or (3) die in prison.

It should be noted that obtaining a commutation of a life sentence in PA is very difficult. The Governor of Pennsylvania can only grant a commutation of a life sentence after the inmate's petition for a commutation has met with the unanimous approval of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons. There are 5 members that serve on the PA Board of Pardons. If even one member votes against a lifer's commutation petition, the Governor cannot legally grant that commutation.