A.E. Dick Howard, a law professor at the University of Virginia who oversaw the drafting of the state’s current constitution, said the governor has the power to grant a posthumous pardon. “That decision does not require legislative or judicial affirmation, nor can the General Assembly or a court disturb that executive decision,” Howard said via email. A pardon removes punishment but does not take away a finding of guilt, Howard added. But a posthumous pardon can have “enormous symbolism.”