A commutation is a form of executive clemency.
October 17, 2025
high
temporal
General definition linking the term 'commutation' to executive clemency.
The President of the United States can grant commutations and pardons as acts of executive clemency.
October 17, 2025
high
temporal
Describes the executive authority exercised by a U.S. president to provide clemency.
A presidential commutation reduces or cancels a criminal sentence, and under U.S. practice a commutation is generally final and cannot be fully reversed by a subsequent administration.
high
legal
Commutation is a form of executive clemency distinct from a pardon; it alters the sentence but does not expunge the conviction and is not typically subject to reversal by later presidents.