Pardoning Power
/ˈpɑːrdənɪŋ ˈpaʊər/
Definitions
- (n.) The constitutional or statutory authority vested in a government executive to forgive or excuse a person for a crime, thereby eliminating penalties or legal consequences.
The governor exercised the pardoning power to commute the prisoner's sentence.
Related terms
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Commentary
The pardoning power typically pertains to executive authority and varies by jurisdiction; it is distinct from judicial relief and often subject to political and legal constraints.
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.