mitigating circumstances

plural noun

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

Example Sentences

“She feels horrible about all of this. Nobody wants to be in the chain of causation,” Geragos said, adding that he will present evidence of mitigating circumstances at her Dec. 10 sentencing.

From Los Angeles Times

He may offer up the mitigating circumstances as he made 10 changes from the 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Andorra, plus this was a friendly at the end of a long season.

From BBC

There were some mitigating circumstances for England's lethargic display.

From BBC

He said the sentence before mitigating circumstances would be eight years, but the fact Kelly had pleaded guilty entitled him to a reduction of the sentence.

From BBC

These are the mitigating circumstances, but for Arteta and his players in the ruthless business at the top of the Premier League, the league table now bears a worrying look.

From BBC