general pardon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general pardon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to refer to a pardon that applies to a group of people or a specific offense rather than an individual case. Example: "The government announced a general pardon for all non-violent offenders, allowing them to reintegrate into society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Afterward, Mr. Berlusconi rejected the notion of a general pardon.

The New York Times

Mr. Datajji was suddenly released last October as part of a general pardon declared by Mr. Hussein.

The New York Times

The Italian government is considering a general pardon or amnesty to ease conditions in the country's badly crowded prisons.

The New York Times

Usually, a general pardon would release prisoners who have less than three years remaining on their sentences.

The New York Times

Mr. Piñera said the time for a general pardon was not right, noting that the government had issued three pardons in the past decade.

The New York Times

Technically, however, an amnesty differs from a general pardon in that the latter simply relieves from punishment whereas the former declares innocence or abolishes the crime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Richard also granted general pardons to those who had executed rebels without due process, to all men who had remained loyal, and to all those who had rebelled – with the exception of the men of Bury St Edmunds, any men who had been involved in the killing of the King's advisers, and those who were still on the run from prison.

Wikipedia

Most of these were pardoned under a general amnesty that only excluded a few ringleaders.

Wikipedia

On only one point has Mr Wahid been consistent: that he will grant the general a pardon if he is convicted.Yet General Wiranto has continued to ignore the president's wishes.

The Economist

Given nuclear's checkered history, still uncertain future and the general fallout (pardon the pun), the debate continues about whether it should even be in use, let alone heralded as a breakthrough innovation.

Forbes

Harclay had previously been a supporter of Lancaster, possibly also the earl's retainer; in 1318, a general royal pardon for Lancaster and his adherents contained Harclay's name.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general pardon", ensure the context clearly defines who is included and what offenses are covered to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "general pardon" when the pardon has specific limitations or exclusions. Be precise about who benefits from the pardon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general pardon" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a legal action. As evidenced by Ludwig, this term describes an act of clemency extending to a broad group of individuals, typically prisoners or those convicted of specific offenses.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

26%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general pardon" is a grammatically correct noun phrase denoting a widespread act of legal forgiveness. Ludwig AI indicates that it commonly appears in news reports, encyclopedic entries, and formal documents, serving to inform about governmental clemency measures. While not frequently used in everyday conversation, its formal tone makes it suitable for professional settings. Related phrases include "blanket pardon" and "wholesale amnesty". It's important to be precise when using this term to clearly define the scope and beneficiaries of the pardon. A key distinction exists between a "general pardon" and amnesty, with the latter potentially nullifying the crime itself rather than just the punishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comprehensive pardon

Similar to "general pardon" but emphasizes the thoroughness of the forgiveness.

blanket pardon

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the pardon, covering a wide range of offenses or individuals.

all-encompassing pardon

Indicates a pardon that covers every aspect or offense.

broad-scale pardon

Suggests a pardon that applies to a wide range of cases or individuals.

wholesale amnesty

Highlights the broad scope of forgiveness, suggesting a large-scale clearing of offenses.

mass exoneration

Focuses on the act of clearing individuals from blame on a large scale.

collective clemency

Stresses the mercy extended to a group of people.

class-wide pardon

Specifies that the pardon is applicable to an entire class or group of people.

universal absolution

Implies a complete and widespread forgiveness of sins or crimes.

widespread forgiveness

Highlights the extensive nature of the act of forgiving.

FAQs

How is a "general pardon" different from an amnesty?

A "general pardon" typically relieves punishment, while an amnesty may declare innocence or abolish the crime itself, offering a broader form of legal forgiveness.

What are some alternatives to using "general pardon"?

You can use alternatives like "blanket pardon", "wholesale amnesty", or "comprehensive pardon" depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "general pardon"?

The term "general pardon" is appropriate in legal, historical, or political contexts when referring to a broad act of forgiveness for offenses against the state or a governing body.

What implications can a "general pardon" have on a society?

A "general pardon" can have significant implications, potentially easing prison overcrowding, promoting reconciliation, or sparking controversy depending on the nature of the offenses pardoned and public sentiment.