reduce a judicial sentence, especially a sentence of death, to one less severe: the governor recently commuted the sentences of dozens of women convicted of killing their husbands.
The concept of commutation in the judicial system represents not just a legal mechanism but also a profound moral and societal consideration. By reducing a sentence, particularly from something as irreversible and severe as the death penalty, the power of a single authority figure or institution to temper justice with mercy is underscored. This act typically involves weighing numerous factors including the circumstances of the crime, the character and history of...