A pardon is a government decision that relieves an individual of some or all legal consequences stemming from a criminal conviction, often serving to correct miscarriages of justice or facilitate reintegration into society. While crucial for clemency in capital punishment cases, pardons can generate controversy, especially when perceived as political favors. In Australia, this power is known as the royal prerogative of mercy, exercised by the King or governor-general. Canada's system, managed by the Parole Board of Canada, saw a key reform in 2012 with the Safe Streets and Communities Act, which replaced the term "pardon" with "record suspension." This change separates a conviction record to aid law-abiding citizens, yet it does not erase the original conviction nor guarantee entry into other countries.