request clemency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request clemency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts when asking for mercy or leniency, typically in relation to a punishment or sentence. Example: "The defendant's attorney submitted a formal letter to the court to request clemency on behalf of his client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We routinely request clemency for death-row inmates, not just in high-profile cases.

The New York Times

Further, the article incorrectly stated that the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers had declined to take on Jerry Vega's case to help him request clemency.

The Guardian

The Clemency Project 2014 would not take on his case to help him request clemency and a judge shot down his bid to be resentenced.

The Guardian

Prisoners have to request clemency and admit guilt before it is granted, but this is not a requirement for an amnesty.

The Guardian

There is no time limit for those convicted to request clemency from the Indonesian president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, however this requires an admission of guilt and had never been granted for a drug crime until 2009.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A White House spokeswoman, Claire Buchan, said a letter from the pope requesting clemency had been received this week.

The New York Times

But I requested clemency for him because of his youth and his diminished mental capacity".

The New York Times

His family, supported by the government of Pakistan, has requested clemency on humanitarian grounds.

The New York Times

Last week, Mr. Lucas formally requested clemency, and an appeal is pending before the United States Supreme Court.

The New York Times

"We're just requesting clemency on humanitarian grounds," Mr. Chomsky, a prominent left-wing political commentator, said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

That is why Mr. Lukashenko had no problem releasing Mr. Sannikov, who wrote a statement requesting clemency, demanded by Mr. Lukashenko, which closes off the possibility of appeal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing legal documents or formal requests, use "request clemency" to maintain a professional and respectful tone.

Common error

Avoid using "request clemency" when seeking a simple sentence reduction; clemency implies a broader act of mercy, potentially including a full pardon or commutation. Ensure the situation warrants such extensive leniency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request clemency" functions as a verb phrase where "request" is the verb, and "clemency" is the noun that serves as the direct object. This phrase is typically used in a formal setting when someone seeks official forgiveness or mitigation of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "request clemency" is a formal and direct way to ask for mercy or leniency, particularly in legal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While not extremely common, its usage is appropriate when seeking official forgiveness or mitigation of a sentence. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation warrants the gravity of seeking clemency, as it implies a significant appeal for mercy from an executive authority. Alternative phrases include "seek a pardon" or "appeal for leniency", each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solicit executive clemency

Highlights the act of formally requesting clemency from an executive authority.

seek a pardon

Focuses specifically on obtaining a pardon, a release from legal punishment.

file for commutation

Specifically refers to reducing the severity of a sentence.

appeal for leniency

Highlights the act of appealing to a higher authority for reduced punishment.

plead for exoneration

Focuses on proving innocence and being cleared of charges.

beg for mercy

Emphasizes a plea for compassion, often in dire circumstances.

make a plea for mitigation

Emphasizes factors that might lessen the severity of the punishment.

ask for a reprieve

Implies a temporary suspension of a sentence, rather than a full pardon.

petition for grace

Adds a layer of humility and dependence on the grantor's goodwill.

apply for amnesty

Refers to a general pardon granted to a group of people, often political prisoners.

FAQs

How is "request clemency" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "request clemency" is used when a defendant or their representative formally asks an executive authority (like a governor or president) to grant mercy, potentially reducing or eliminating a sentence. This "appeal for leniency" often comes after all other legal avenues have been exhausted.

What factors might influence a decision to grant clemency after someone "requests clemency"?

Factors influencing clemency decisions include the severity of the crime, the inmate's behavior in prison, expressions of remorse, evidence of rehabilitation, and potential injustices in the original trial. Public opinion and political considerations may also play a role.

What's the difference between "requesting clemency" and "appealing a conviction"?

"Requesting clemency" is an appeal to executive mercy, often after all legal appeals have failed. It doesn't challenge the validity of the conviction itself. In contrast, "appealing a conviction" seeks to overturn the original verdict based on legal errors or insufficient evidence.

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "request clemency"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "seek a pardon", "appeal for leniency", or "petition for grace" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of seeking mercy or forgiveness.