A pardon is a legal act that frees an individual from the consequences of a criminal conviction. It is typically granted by a government official, such as a president or governor, and can restore rights lost due to the conviction, like voting or holding public office. Pardons do not erase the conviction but provide forgiveness for the offense. The process for obtaining a pardon varies by jurisdiction and often requires an application, review, and sometimes a hearing. Factors considered may include the nature of the crime, behavior since the conviction, and public interest. A notable example of a pardon is the one granted by President Gerald Ford to Richard Nixon for his role in the Watergate scandal.