Understanding Pardons: Definition, Types, and Examples

Pardon is the act of forgiving someone for their wrongdoing or offense. It involves the suspension or cancellation of punishment, either fully or partially, by a person or authority who has the power to do so.

In criminal law, a pardon is typically granted by a head of state or government, such as a president or king, and it can be used to absolve someone of guilt or reduce their sentence. For example, a president might grant a pardon to someone who was convicted of a crime but has since served their time and demonstrated good behavior.

Pardons can also be granted for other types of offenses, such as civil wrongs or moral transgressions. For instance, a person might seek a pardon from a family member or community leader if they have wronged them in some way.

It's important to note that a pardon does not necessarily mean that the person who was pardoned is innocent of the offense for which they were punished. Rather, it means that their punishment has been forgiven or suspended, and they are given a second chance.