Commutation
/kəˌmjuːˈteɪʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) The act of substituting a lesser penalty or punishment for a greater one, especially by a legal authority.
The governor granted a commutation of the prisoner's death sentence to life imprisonment.
- (n.) The act of exchanging one thing for another, such as in contracts or legal procedures.
The contract allowed for the commutation of payments from cash to service credits.
Forms
- commutations
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Commutation is distinct from pardon in that it reduces the severity of a penalty without nullifying the conviction.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.