Pardon Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Pardon.

Pardon (noun): A legal act performed by a person with supreme governmental authority, such as the President, that forgives a person for a crime they've been convicted of. The pardon not only forgives the crime but also removes it from records, as if it never happened. This action restores the individual's rights and ends their sentence. Factors such as the convict's behavior, age, and trial conditions may influence the decision to grant a pardon.