Gov. Jerry Brown is keeping with his tradition of offering pardons to convicted offenders on Christian holidays, announcing on Good Friday that he issued 63 pardons.
The Democratic governor says all the applicants had been out of custody for at least a decade with no criminal activity.
Most were for drug-related crimes such as possession with intent to sell, manufacturing or transporting controlled substances. Two were for manslaughter.
Brown, who is Catholic, has made a habit of issuing pardons around religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter. He says those pardoned Friday have demonstrated ``exemplary behavior'' and have lived productive lives.
A gubernatorial pardon does not erase a conviction. Rather, it restores certain rights, such as allowing the person to serve on a jury.
