Commute
/kəˈmjuːt/
Definitions
- (v.) To reduce a legal penalty to a less severe one.
The governor decided to commute the prisoner's sentence from death to life imprisonment.
- (v.) To exchange or substitute one form of punishment or penalty for another.
The judge commuted the fine to community service.
Forms
- commutes
- commuted
- commuting
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, 'commute' specifically refers to lessening a punishment 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.