A leading law expert says the decision to grant a free pardon to Michael Shields could result in a change in the law in the UK and bring it into line with systems in other countries.
Professor Mike Redmayne, of the Department of Law at the London School of Econimics said; "Jack Straw is keen to draw a distinction between politicians and the judiciary.
"The executive and the judicial system are kept far more separate in other countries, notably the United States, and this is important in maintaining complete impartiality.
"Politicians should not have the opportunity to use legal decisions as a political tool.
"In future, decisions of this nature will be left up to the courts, which should prove to be a safer and more efficient system."
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