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.

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. The President of the United States solely holds the power to commute federal sentences while commutations of state charges are handled by the governor's office.

References

See also

• List of revoked death sentences
• Pardon
• Lewis Libby clemency controversy

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.