request for clemency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request for clemency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or when appealing for mercy or leniency, often in relation to a punishment or sentence. Example: "The defendant submitted a formal request for clemency to the governor, hoping for a reduction in their sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Appeals and a request for clemency failed.

Independent

Manning's request for clemency was denied, before proceeding to appeal.

The Guardian

He did not grant a single request for clemency.

The New York Times

"Mr Hedges's family have made a request for clemency and the government is studying that request.

The Guardian

His lawyers have asserted that he cannot be taken into custody until his request for clemency is formally processed.

The New York Times

Ms. Clark's work in prison and her expressions of remorse drew many supporters for her request for clemency; the memory of the appalling killings also drew fervent opponents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Gov. Bob Taft also denied requests for clemency.

The New York Times

"Requests for clemency do not negate a court's ruling that a defendant go to jail".

The New York Times

The governor receives hundreds of requests for clemency each year, said Suzanne Morris, a spokeswoman.

The New York Times

Another matter involves Mr. Clinton's brother, Roger Clinton, and questions of whether he received money to support requests for clemency.

The New York Times

Late Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Phil Bryant declined to stop the execution though he said he was "deeply touched" by requests for clemency from the sisters and Mr. Jackson's brother-in-law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a legal document or formal letter, ensure you clearly state the grounds for the "request for clemency", providing supporting evidence and arguments for leniency.

Common error

Don't use "request for clemency" when seeking to prove innocence. Clemency acknowledges guilt but seeks mercy, while an acquittal aims to establish that the person did not commit the crime.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request for clemency" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the act of formally asking for leniency or pardon. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "request for clemency" is a formal expression signifying a plea for mercy or leniency, typically within legal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used. The phrase appears most often in news and media sources, followed by academic and formal business settings, indicating its relevance in discussing legal and political matters. Alternative phrases such as "plea for leniency" or "appeal for mercy" offer similar meanings, though "request for clemency" maintains a particularly formal and legal tone. When employing this phrase, ensure a clear articulation of the grounds for seeking clemency to effectively convey the appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Plea for leniency

Replaces "request" with "plea" emphasizing the emotional appeal for mercy.

Appeal for mercy

Uses "appeal" and "mercy" to convey a similar meaning of seeking compassion.

Petition for pardon

Focuses specifically on seeking a legal pardon, which is a form of clemency.

Seeking executive clemency

Highlights the attempt to obtain clemency from an executive authority.

Application for amnesty

Refers to a broader form of clemency often applied to groups of people.

Seeking remission of sentence

Focuses on the legal aspect of reducing or canceling a sentence.

Supplication for grace

Emphasizes a humble and earnest request for divine or official favor.

Entreaty for mitigation

Specifically asks for a reduction in punishment or severity.

Submission for commutation

Involves formally submitting a request to change a sentence to a less severe one.

Asking for exoneration

Indicates a request to be completely cleared of blame or charges.

FAQs

What does "request for clemency" mean in legal terms?

A "request for clemency" is a formal application to an authority (like a governor or president) seeking leniency or pardon for a crime, often involving a reduction of sentence or release from prison.

When is it appropriate to submit a "request for clemency"?

It's appropriate when all other legal avenues have been exhausted and the individual acknowledges guilt but seeks mercy due to mitigating circumstances, rehabilitation, or other compelling reasons.

What are some alternatives to saying "request for clemency"?

You can use alternatives like "plea for leniency", "appeal for mercy", or "petition for pardon" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

How does a "request for clemency" differ from an appeal?

An appeal challenges the legal validity of a conviction or sentence, whereas a "request for clemency" acknowledges the conviction but asks for mercy based on factors outside the original legal proceedings.