clemency
the quality of being clement; disposition to show forbearance, compassion, or forgiveness in judging or punishing; leniency; mercy.
an act or deed showing mercy or leniency.
(of the weather) mildness or temperateness.
Origin of clemency
1Other words for clemency
Opposites for clemency
Other words from clemency
- o·ver·clem·en·cy, noun
Words Nearby clemency
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use clemency in a sentence
As we reported, Kaestel’s bid for clemency won the support of high-profile activists including CNN commentator Van Jones, former actress Rose McGowan and music industry executive Jason Flom—all who told us Kaestel’s punishment was unusually severe.
Prisoner Who Got Life for Stealing $250 Finally Wins Freedom | Kate Briquelet | July 1, 2021 | The Daily BeastSince 2012, the parole board recommended clemency three times, but Hutchinson and his predecessor Mike Beebe declined to grant it.
He Robbed a Taco Joint With a Toy Water Gun for $264. He Got Life in Prison. | Kate Briquelet | May 31, 2021 | The Daily BeastThe board determined his clemency application had merit in 1993, but ruled against him when he applied two years later.
He Robbed a Taco Joint With a Toy Water Gun for $264. He Got Life in Prison. | Kate Briquelet | May 31, 2021 | The Daily BeastUnder Arkansas state law, adults sentenced to life are ineligible for parole unless their sentence is commuted to a term of years by executive clemency.
He Robbed a Taco Joint With a Toy Water Gun for $264. He Got Life in Prison. | Kate Briquelet | May 31, 2021 | The Daily BeastThe Office of the Pardon Attorney is supposed to review, investigate and prepare clemency requests, which the deputy attorney general signs off on.
It takes a team to fix the Justice Department | Jennifer Rubin | December 27, 2020 | Washington Post
Harris was sentenced to 15 years in prison in Bedford, N.Y., but was granted clemency in 1993 by Gov. Mario Cuomo.
“Surely those who wish to be seen as a state will act in a statesmanlike way by showing mercy and providing clemency,” she said.
Those who have such views are of course entitled to continue to have them, but the clemency grant has nothing to do with that.
Exclusive: U.S. Intel Committee Chiefs Blast Deal for Israeli Spy | Josh Rogin | April 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe Justice Department wants lawyers to help non-violent drug offenders get clemency to leave jail.
A Momentous Change for America’s Tortuous Drug Sentencing | Andrew Cohen | January 31, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTNo less than the New York Times has called for clemency on his behalf, insisting that he has “done his country a great service.”
The Unseen Threat to the Fourth Amendment Is the Fourth Amendment Itself | Kevin Bleyer | January 4, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHis mind with all its sternness ever tended to clemency, and his constitutional prudence, or measure, forbade purposeless excess.
King Robert the Bruce | A. F. MurisonAnd to procure this her Majesty hath offered as much of her clemency to you, as with honour she might do to her subjects.
Ireland Under the Tudors, Vol. II (of 3) | Richard BagwellHis highness's ministers and chiefs there tendered his submission, and solicited the clemency of the British government.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. | E. Farr and E. H. NolanWhen, once more, there was silence, Galaima dropped upon one knee and begged for clemency for himself and friends.
The Devil-Tree of El Dorado | Frank AubreyThere was nothing to do but wait upon the clemency—the mercy of Captain Goritz.
The Secret Witness | George Gibbs
British Dictionary definitions for clemency
/ (ˈklɛmənsɪ) /
mercy or leniency
mildness, esp of the weather
Origin of clemency
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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