In law, a commutation is the substitution of a lesser penalty for that given after a conviction for a crime. The penalty can be lessened in severity, in duration, or both. Unlike most pardons by government and overturning by the court (a full overturning is equal to an acquittal), a commutation does not affect the status of a defendant's underlying criminal conviction.
Although the concept of commutation may be used to broadly describe the substitution of a lesser criminal penalty for the original sentence, some jurisdictions have historically used the term only for the substitution of a sentence of a different character than was originally imposed by the court. For example, the substitution of a sentence of parole for the original sentence of incarceration. A jurisdiction that uses that definition of commutation would use another term, such as a remission, to describe a reduction of a penalty that does not change its character.
A commutation does not reverse a conviction and the recipient of a commutation remains guilty in accordance with the original conviction. For example, someone convicted of capital murder may have their sentence of death commuted to life imprisonment, a lessening of the punishment that does not affect the underlying criminal conviction, as may occur on a discretionary basis or following upon a change in the law or judicial ruling that limits or eliminates the death penalty.
In some jurisdictions a commutation of sentence may be conditional, meaning that the convicted person may be required to abide by specified conditions or may lose the benefit of the commutation. The conditions must be lawful and reasonable, and will typically expire when the convicted completes any remaining portion of their sentence. For example, the pardon may be conditioned upon the person's being a law-abiding citizen, such that if the beneficiary of the commutation commits a new crime before the condition expires the original sentence may be restored.
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Commutation Chart
Commutation Chart
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In law, a commutation is the substitution of a lesser penalty for that given after a conviction for a crime. The penalty can be lessened in severity, in duration, or both.
Commutation is a form of clemency that reduces the punishment for a crime. It usually takes the form of a reduced ("commuted") prison term, but can also reduce court-ordered fines. A …
In criminal law, commutation refers to reducing or lessening a sentence or punishment resulting from a criminal conviction, which can be done by the governor of a state (for state convictions) …
Aug 22, 2024 · The President can commute (reduce) a sentence imposed by a federal court or the District of Columbia Superior Court. Use the commutation application if you are seeking relief …
Jan 22, 2025 · Commutation in criminal sentencing is a significant legal mechanism that can alter the length or conditions of an individual’s sentence. It offers a pathway for relief from harsh …
Jan 20, 2025 · Commutation, in law, shortening of a term of punishment or lowering of the level of punishment. For example, a 10-year jail sentence may be commuted to 5 years, or a sentence …
Oct 11, 2019 · In sum, the difference between a commutation and pardon is generally simple: commutation is a reduction (either total or partial) of a criminal sentence while the person is …
Jan 21, 2025 · Commuting a sentence is an important aspect of the criminal justice system, allowing for the reduction of a punishment’s severity without overturning the conviction. It …
The substitution of one punishment for another, after conviction of the party subject to it. The change of a punishment from a greater to a less; as from hanging to imprisonment. …
In Criminal Law, commutation is the substitution of a lesser punishment for a greater one. Contrasted with clemency, which is an act of grace eliminating a sentence or punishment, …
