You're speaking about the rare exception. Very rare. Almost always, a vacated verdict leads to retrial. And, as I said, appellate courts don't "clear" anyone. They (generally) only find infirmities in the trial record. In any event, a vacated verdict isn't an acquittal.
Many people, including I believe the person to whom I was originally responding, think that an appeal is a trial de novo. It isn't.
"If it’s not, and Delay were sentenced to prison, either Gov. Perry (if applicable) or the NEXT Republican President should pardon him immediately upon taking office."
Another common misconception. President's cannot pardon people who were convicted in state court. The President's pardon power extends only to offenses cognizable under federal law, as a law professor might say.
Another common misconception. President’s cannot pardon people who were convicted in state court. The President’s pardon power extends only to offenses cognizable under federal law, as a law professor might say.