Commuted
/kəˈmjuːtɪd/
Definitions
- (adj.) Reduced or substituted by legal authority, especially a punishment or sentence that is lessened in severity.
The prisoner's death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
- (v. (past tense)) Past tense of commute, meaning to reduce or substitute a penalty or punishment.
The governor commuted the defendant's sentence after reviewing the case.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Used primarily in criminal law contexts to describe the legal reduction or substitution of a sentence; ensure distinction between 'commuted' as adjective and past tense verb in drafting.
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.