“Commute sentence” means to change a punishment, usually a prison sentence, into a lighter one. It does not erase the conviction, but it reduces the severity of the sentence.
People usually use this term in legal or news contexts. For example, a judge, governor, or president may commute someone’s sentence, meaning the person may spend less time in prison than originally ordered.
Meaning & Usage
A sentence is “commuted” when it is made shorter or less severe. This is different from a pardon, which can forgive the crime itself.
Examples
The governor commuted his 20-year sentence to 10 years.
The president commuted the sentence after new evidence came to light.
What does it mean to commute a sentence?
It means to reduce a punishment, usually by lowering the prison time.
Is a commuted sentence the same as a pardon?
No. A commuted sentence is reduced, but a pardon is more like forgiveness for the offense.
Who can commute a sentence?
It depends on the country, but it is often a judge, governor, or president.
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