commutation of sentence


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commutation of sentence

commutation of sentence, in criminal law, reduction of a sentence for a criminal act by action of the executive head of the government. Like pardon, commutation of sentence is a matter of grace, not of right; it is distinguished from pardon, however, in that the conviction of crime is not nullified. The commutation, hence, may be granted on condition that the criminal observe certain restrictions for the balance of his original sentence. Many states have statutes providing for commutation of sentence as a reward for good conduct during imprisonment. Once earned, the commutation becomes a matter of right and may be enforced by court action.
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Although in practice, due to remission and commutation of sentences, it amounts to incarceration for a period of round-about 14, 15 years or more.
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Commutation of sentence reduces the severity of a sentence; in death penalty states, commutation is typically used to substitute a life sentence for a death sentence.
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Yesterday the court heard an account of the facts of the case, with the defence lawyers arguing for a commutation of sentence.
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The seventh safeguard, that all individuals sentenced to death have the right to seek a pardon or commutation of sentence, has seen instances of large-scale commutations recently.
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(127) Eligibility for Filing Petition for Commutation of Sentence, 28 C.F.R.
Bill Clinton's parting pardon party

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