Clemency is when a public official, such as a governor or the president, lowers or moderates the harshness of punishment imposed upon a prisoner. It is not a right but rather a privilege, and one who is granted clemency does not have the crime forgotten (as in amnesty) but is forgiven and treated more leniently for the criminal acts.

Here on LawServer you’ll find relevant federal and state laws about clemency, and related legal Questions & Answers.