Commutation of sentence
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Commutation of sentence involves the reduction of legal penalties, especially in terms of imprisonment. Unlike a pardon, a commutation does not nullify the conviction and is often conditional.
In the United States, reduction of a sentence is handled by an executive head of government and is normally linked to prisoners' good behavior.[1] The President of the United States solely holds the power to commute federal sentences[2] while commutations of state charges are handled by the governor's office.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ Legal Explanations Commutation Retrieved on April 21, 2007
- ^ Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution Power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States Retrieved on July 9, 2007
- ^ U.S. Department of Justice Commutation Instructions Retrieved on July 3, 2007
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- US Department of Justice pardon and commutation statistics by presidential administration (1945-2001)
- US Department of Justice instructions for submitting a commutation of sentence
- New York Times - Bush Commutes Libby Prison Sentence
- New York Times - President Clinton's 2001 defense of his pardons and commutations before he left office.
