In case of the conviction and sentence of a defendant to imprisonment, the presiding judge may, in all proper cases, postpone the execution of the sentence for the amount of time as may be necessary to make application to the executive for a pardon or commutation of punishment.
Postponement of execution of sentence pending application for clemency
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-22-101, under Judicial Recommendation of Clemency.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-22-101