Clemency

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Clemency" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to mercy, leniency, or forgiveness, especially in legal or formal situations. An example: "The governor granted clemency to the prisoner, reducing his sentence." Alternative expressions include "mercy" and "leniency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The fact that Indonesia for a long time refused to even acknowledge that there was a double standard in their insistence that Australia was infringing their sovereignty by appealing for clemency, while at the same time appealing for clemency for its own citizens facing the death penalty in other countries, that has been really quite damaging from Australia's point of view," he said.

The Guardian

After winning three delays since 2007, Davis lost his most realistic chance at last-minute clemency this week when the Georgia pardons board denied his request despite serious doubts about his guilt.

The Guardian

The unsuccessful political and diplomatic effort to appeal to new Indonesian president Joko Widodo has been intense, increasingly desperate, often "creative" but always couched in careful language of respect for Indonesia's sovereignty as hope remained that the president might grant clemency.

The Guardian

"We could see a really strongly critical statement from Abbott government, which points to serious flaws in judicial process and the failure of the Indonesian government and the president to properly consider the clemency cases," Fealy said.

The Guardian

Australian politicians mounted a strong bipartisan campaign against the executions of Chan and Sukumaran, pressing Indonesia for clemency through public and diplomatic channels.

The Guardian

Norris pulled out of the race in August after it emerged that he had written to the Israeli authorities pleading for clemency over a lover who had been convicted of statutory rape.

The Guardian

He is asking the state's board of pardons to reconsider its decision of last week not to grant clemency in this case; he has a habeas petition filed with Georgia's appeal court; and he is also asking the US supreme court to intervene to prevent its own 2002 ruling being flouted.

The Guardian

On Wednesday their lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis and human rights groups outlined a challenge before the constitutional court questioning President Joko Widodo's sweeping refusal to grant clemency to drug smugglers, including the 10 scheduled to be executed next, rather than assessing individual cases.

The Guardian

The clemency shown towards Bougherra is baffling though, after the defender twice pulled down the hand of the match referee as he issued cards.

The Guardian - Sport

Prosecutors have no doubt they charged the right person, and MacPhail's family lobbied the pardons board Monday to reject Davis's clemency appeal.

The Guardian

The proposals follow Indonesia's decision to proceed with the firing-squad execution of Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan on Wednesday, despite repeated appeals for clemency by the Australian government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clemency" when emphasizing a formal or official act of showing mercy, particularly in legal or political contexts. It's suitable for discussions about pardons, appeals, and interventions by authorities.

Common error

Avoid using "clemency" when the situation implies complete exemption from consequences without justification. "Clemency" suggests a compassionate lessening of deserved punishment, not a dismissal of guilt.

Linguistic Context

The word "clemency" primarily functions as a noun. It denotes the act, power, or disposition to be merciful; disposition to moderate the severity of punishment due. Ludwig shows the phrase is often used in relation to legal or political appeals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clemency" refers to the act of showing mercy or leniency, primarily in formal legal or political settings. As shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "mercy", "leniency", and "pardon" exist, "clemency" specifically implies an official act of compassion. The key is to use "clemency" when describing a formal request or granting of mercy by an authority and avoid it when implying unjustified exemption from consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mercy

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing compassion and forgiveness.

Leniency

This term highlights mildness in the application of justice or discipline.

Pardon

Implies the official cancellation of punishment or legal consequences.

Forgiveness

Focuses on the act of pardoning an offense or offender.

Reprieve

Refers to a temporary suspension of a sentence, especially the death penalty.

Amnesty

A general pardon granted to a group of people, usually for political offenses.

Mitigation

Emphasizes reducing the severity of a punishment or sentence.

Exoneration

Focuses on clearing someone of blame or wrongdoing.

Commutation

The action of reducing a judicial sentence.

Indulgence

Suggests a willingness to overlook faults or offenses.

FAQs

How is "clemency" typically used in a sentence?

The word "clemency" is commonly used to describe a request for or the granting of mercy, especially in legal or political contexts. For example, "The lawyers appealed for "clemency" for their client."

What are some synonyms for "clemency" that I can use?

Alternatives to "clemency" include "mercy", "leniency", "forgiveness", and "pardon". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "clemency" and a pardon?

"Clemency" is a broader term referring to any act of mercy or leniency, while a "pardon" is a specific legal action that officially absolves someone of a crime and its associated penalties. Clemency can include actions like reducing a sentence, while a pardon is a full legal forgiveness.

When is it appropriate to use the word "clemency"?

Use "clemency" when discussing acts of mercy that are formally requested or granted by someone in a position of power, such as a president, governor, or judge. It is especially relevant in discussions about criminal justice, political offenses, or appeals for leniency.