mitigating circumstances

plural noun

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

Example Sentences

There was also an acceptance of mitigating circumstances and fine lines, underlining the hope it would work.

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“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.

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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.

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

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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.

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