Policy Glossary

C | P

Clemency

The act of the Governor extending mercy to a convicted individual. Clemency may be a pardon, shortening of a prison sentence, commutation of a sentence, or a reprieve.

Referenced by:

Commutation

The modification or reduction of a punishment.

Referenced by:

Pardon

A constitutional power given to the Governor to forgive an individual convicted of a crime, typically removing any remaining direct penalties or punishments of that conviction and preventing any new prosecution for the crime for which the pardon was given.

Referenced by: