Expungement
/ɪkˈspʌndʒmənt/
Definitions
- (n.) The legal process of erasing or sealing a criminal record so that it is treated as if the offense never occurred.
After the expungement of his record, he was able to apply for jobs without disclosing his past conviction.
Related terms
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Commentary
Expungement statutes vary widely by jurisdiction; drafters should specify the scope and effect clearly to avoid ambiguity regarding disclosure and collateral consequences.
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.