Pardon vs. Reprieve — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 2, 2024
A pardon absolves individuals from legal consequences of their actions, often erasing convictions, while a reprieve delays punishments, typically in legal contexts, without removing the conviction.
Difference Between Pardon and Reprieve
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pardons are often seen as a tool for correcting judicial errors or as an act of mercy for rehabilitated individuals, thereby removing all penalties and legal disabilities associated with the conviction. They can be full or conditional, with conditions set by the authority granting the pardon. Reprieves, however, are usually granted to allow further examination of new evidence, consideration of clemency appeals, or other legal processes. They do not absolve the crime but provide a temporary halt to the execution of the sentence.
The impact of a pardon versus a reprieve on an individual’s life is significantly different. A pardon can restore rights, such as voting, gun ownership, or holding public office, which were lost as a result of the conviction. It essentially gives the individual a clean slate. A reprieve, while offering a temporary relief from punishment, does not restore any rights or remove the conviction from the person's record.
The process of obtaining a pardon versus a reprieve also varies. Pardons usually involve a comprehensive review of the individual’s case, considering factors like the time elapsed since the offense, behavior post-conviction, and the nature of the crime. The process can be lengthy and complex. Reprieves, especially in penalty cases, might be granted swiftly in response to immediate concerns about the execution process, legal errors, or humanitarian reasons.
Both pardons and reprieves highlight the complex interplay of justice, mercy, and the legal system’s flexibility. While pardons address issues of justice and rehabilitation by removing the consequences of a conviction, reprieves serve as a critical check on the execution of penalties, offering a window for further review or mercy without altering the conviction’s status.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Absolution from the legal consequences of a crime
Temporary delay of punishment
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Effect on Conviction
Erases or nullifies
Does not change the status
Legal Rights
Can restore lost rights
Does not restore rights
Duration
Permanent
Temporary, until further action is taken
Purpose
Corrects judicial errors, acts of mercy
Allows time for review, consideration of new evidence or appeals
Compare with Definitions
Pardon
An official act forgiving a person for their crimes and eliminating legal penalties.
After years of demonstrated rehabilitation, the governor granted him a pardon.
Reprieve
Allows for further review or mercy.
The reprieve provided an opportunity to reconsider the penalty case.
Pardon
Often for correcting mistakes or as an act of mercy.
The pardon was seen as an act of mercy for the aging prisoner.
Reprieve
A president, governor, or other authority figures.
The governor granted a reprieve while new evidence was reviewed.
Pardon
Can be full or conditional.
He received a conditional pardon, with specific terms he must adhere to.
Reprieve
Is inherently temporary.
The reprieve lasted 90 days, after which the court reviewed his case again.
Pardon
Typically a president or governor.
The president issued several pardons before leaving office.
Reprieve
Delays punishment without altering conviction.
The reprieve gave his lawyers more time to file an appeal.
Pardon
Removes convictions and penalties.
Her pardon allowed her to vote in the next election.
Reprieve
To prevent or suspend the punishment of (someone, especially a convicted criminal).
Pardon
A pardon is a government decision to allow a person to be relieved of some or all of the legal consequences resulting from a criminal conviction. A pardon may be granted before or after conviction for the crime, depending on the laws of the jurisdiction.Pardons can be granted in many countries when individuals are deemed to have demonstrated that they have "paid their debt to society", or are otherwise considered to be deserving of them.
Reprieve
To prevent or suspend (a punishment).
Pardon
The action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offence
He obtained pardon for his sins
Reprieve
To bring relief to
The rain reprieved us from the noise of the construction machinery.
Pardon
Forgive or excuse (a person, error, or offence)
I know Catherine will pardon me
Reprieve
To prevent the imposition of a scheduled or expected punishment, especially temporarily.
Pardon
A request to a speaker to repeat something because one did not hear or understand it
‘Pardon?’ I said, cupping a hand to my ear
Reprieve
The prevention or suspension of a scheduled or expected punishment.
Pardon
To release (a person) from punishment or disfavor for wrongdoing or a fault
A convicted criminal who was pardoned by the governor.
Reprieve
A court order or other official notification preventing or suspending a scheduled or expected punishment.
Pardon
To allow (an offense or fault) to pass without punishment or disfavor.
Reprieve
Temporary relief, as from danger or pain.
Pardon
To make courteous allowance for; excuse
Pardon me, I'm in a hurry.
Reprieve
(transitive) To cancel or postpone the punishment of someone, especially an execution.
Pardon
The act of pardoning.
Reprieve
(transitive) To bring relief to someone.
Pardon
Exemption of a convicted person from the penalties of an offense or crime by the power of the executor of the laws.
Reprieve
To take back to prison (in lieu of execution).
Pardon
An official document or warrant declaring such an exemption.
Reprieve
To abandon or postpone plans to close, withdraw or abolish (something).
Pardon
Allowance or forgiveness for an offense or a discourtesy
Begged the host's pardon for leaving early.
Reprieve
The cancellation or postponement of a punishment.
The prisoner was saved from execution; the governor had requested a reprieve.
Pardon
Roman Catholic Church An indulgence.
Reprieve
A document authorizing such an action.
Pardon
Forgiveness for an offence.
Reprieve
Relief from pain etc., especially temporary.
Pardon
(legal) An order that releases a convicted criminal without further punishment, prevents future punishment, or (in some jurisdictions) removes an offence from a person's criminal record, as if it had never been committed.
Reprieve
A cancellation or postponement of a proposed event undesired by many.
Pardon
(transitive) To forgive (a person).
Reprieve
To delay the punishment of; to suspend the execution of sentence on; to give a respite to; to respite; as, to reprieve a criminal for thirty days.
He reprieves the sinnner from time to time.
Pardon
(transitive) To refrain from exacting as a penalty.
Reprieve
To relieve for a time, or temporarily.
Company, thought it may reprieve a man from his melaneholy yet can not secure him from his conscience.
Pardon
To grant an official pardon for a crime.
Reprieve
Interval of ease or relief; respite.
All that I ask is but a short reprieve,ll I forget to love, and learn to grieve.
Pardon
Often used when someone does not understand what another person says.
Reprieve
A (temporary) relief from harm or discomfort
Pardon
The act of pardoning; forgiveness, as of an offender, or of an offense; release from penalty; remission of punishment; absolution.
Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings.
But infinite in pardon was my judge.
Reprieve
An interruption in the intensity or amount of something
Pardon
An official warrant of remission of penalty.
Sign me a present pardon for my brother.
Reprieve
The act of reprieving; postponing or remitting punishment
Pardon
The state of being forgiven.
Reprieve
Postpone the punishment of a convicted criminal, such as an execution
Pardon
A release, by a sovereign, or officer having jurisdiction, from the penalties of an offense, being distinguished from amnesty, which is a general obliteration and canceling of a particular line of past offenses.
Reprieve
Relieve temporarily
Pardon
To absolve from the consequences of a fault or the punishment of crime; to free from penalty; - applied to the offender.
In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant.
I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily, pardon me.
Pardon
To remit the penalty of; to suffer to pass without punishment; to forgive; - applied to offenses.
I pray thee, pardon my sin.
Apollo, pardonMy great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle!
Pardon
To refrain from exacting as a penalty.
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
Pardon
To give leave (of departure) to.
Even now about it! I will pardon you.
Pardon
The act of excusing a mistake or offense
Pardon
A warrant granting release from punishment for an offense
Pardon
The formal act of liberating someone
Pardon
Accept an excuse for;
Please excuse my dirty hands
Pardon
Grant a pardon to;
Ford pardoned Nixon
The Thanksgiving turkey was pardoned by the President
Common Curiosities
Does a reprieve affect the conviction status?
No, a reprieve does not change the conviction status; it only delays the punishment.
What is a pardon?
A pardon is an official forgiveness for a crime that removes the legal consequences and often the conviction itself.
Can a pardon restore voting rights?
Yes, a pardon can restore voting rights and other rights lost as a result of a conviction.
What is the purpose of a reprieve?
The purpose of a reprieve is to delay execution of a sentence, often to allow for further review or appeal.
Is a pardon permanent?
Yes, a pardon is a permanent act that removes the legal consequences of a crime.
What is a reprieve?
A reprieve is a temporary suspension of punishment, allowing a delay before the sentence is executed.
Do reprieves require the involvement of courts?
Reprieves can be granted by executive authorities without direct court involvement, though legal proceedings may influence the decision.
How does one apply for a pardon?
The process varies by jurisdiction but usually involves a formal application to the pardoning authority, demonstrating rehabilitation and good conduct.
What's the difference between a full and conditional pardon?
A full pardon fully absolves the crime, while a conditional pardon has specific terms the individual must comply with.
Are pardons public record?
Yes, pardons are generally matters of public record, though the details available can vary.
Who can grant a pardon?
Pardons are typically granted by a president, governor, or similar authority.
Can a reprieve lead to a pardon?
While a reprieve itself is temporary, it can lead to further examination that might result in a pardon or commutation of the sentence.
What happens after a reprieve is granted?
After a reprieve, the punishment is delayed, allowing time for legal appeals, review of new evidence, or reconsideration of the sentence.
Can a pardon be revoked?
Once granted, pardons are typically irreversible, but conditional pardons may be revoked if conditions are not met.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
