exculpation

American  

[ek-skuhl-pey-shuhn] / ˌɛk skʌlˈpeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. clearance from a charge of guilt or fault; vindication.

   A biological or environmental explanation for a criminal act does not translate into exculpation of the individual.

2. legal protection from charges of guilt or fault.

   Each commissioner and officer shall be entitled to exculpation from liability and to indemnification by the District to the extent set forth in the Act.

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Other Word Forms

• nonexculpation noun
• self-exculpation noun

Etymology

Origin of exculpation

exculp(ate) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

His defenders, meanwhile, seem keen to offer exculpation via diagnosis.

From Slate • Dec. 19, 2019

This lack of empathy revealed a man focused only on his own exculpation.

From The Guardian • Nov. 17, 2019

The testimony and evidence are a pileup of contradictions and self-serving exculpation.

From New York Times • Oct. 27, 2016

I don’t think they knew if this was supposed to be condemnation or exculpation.

From Newsweek

How hardly will Judges, for the most part, admit the plea of insanity in exculpation from a charge of murder!

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 62, Jan 27, 1872 by Various