Second-chance-giving Christian or corrupt “Boss Hog” politician run amok — both descriptions have been given recently to former Gov. Haley Barbour.

The Mississippi Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments today about whether Barbour’s pardons of nearly 200 people are binding.

The high court’s decision will ultimately decide which phrase best fits Barbour and perhaps shape a little of his legacy.

Most Mississippians seem clear on the issue — Barbour overstepped his bounds.

While many of the criminals Barbour pardoned had already served their prison sentences, meaning the pardons would simply clear their records, several were serving prison time for murder.

We believe the pardons, which did not follow the letter of the law — particularly the requirement to publish public notices prior to their release — should be overturned.

Constitutional law experts have already begun picking apart the state Constitution.

Regardless of how one may dissect the document, it’s meaning was clear: Publishing notice of the pending pardons was a requirement.

That requirement was done so that the public could be aware of what was happening well before the deed was done.

By skipping that requirement, the inmates and Barbour pulled a fast one on the residents of the state.

We hope the high court interprets not only the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law, too.