Clemency or Executive Clemency

Act of grace or mercy by the president or governor to ease the consequences of a criminal act, accusation, or conviction. (Sometimes known as commutation or pardon.)

Source: U.S. Courts

Discretionary action by person authorized to reduce the severity of sentence. The convening authority, for example, may grant clemency by reducing the amount of confinement imposed by a court-martial.

Source: Judge Advocate General

Last reviewed October 2023