mitigating circumstances

plural noun

1. circumstances that may be considered to lessen the culpability of an offender

Example Sentences

As the term implies, mitigating circumstances are argued by the defense.

From The Daily Beast

On Dec. 9, 1993, Jones was sentenced to death after being found guilty of multiple homicides with no mitigating circumstances.

From The Daily Beast

If a fair trial is to be allowed there are mitigating circumstances to be urged.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the mitigating circumstances I should be inclined to name even those which you bring in aggravation.

From Project Gutenberg

That would be a cool proposition, I am aware, but for certain mitigating circumstances which I hasten to mention.

From Project Gutenberg

There were some mitigating circumstances, however, in this surgical work:—it saved a lonely journey and a large doctor bill.

From Project Gutenberg

But in view of the fact that there are mitigating circumstances, and that you wore another fellows tie, we will suspend sentence.

From Project Gutenberg