Pardon vs. Amnesty: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 2, 2023
Pardon; Official forgiveness for a crime. Amnesty; A group pardon for political offenses.
Key Differences
Pardon is granted to an individual and absolves them from legal consequences. Amnesty typically applies to a group or class of people.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
A pardon can be given before or after a conviction. Amnesty often prevents prosecution for a particular offense.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Pardon is a specific act of clemency. Amnesty is a broader forgiveness for political or related offenses.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Pardons are often granted case-by-case. Amnesty covers a range of offenses within its declaration.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 02, 2023
Pardons may require admission of guilt. Amnesty doesn’t imply guilt or innocence, focusing on forgiveness.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Pardon and Amnesty Definitions
Pardon
Pardon absolves an individual from legal consequences.
“After receiving a presidential pardon, she was freed from prison.”
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
Amnesty
Amnesty often applies to political offenses.
“The amnesty covered those who protested during the uprising.”
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Pardon
Pardon is a form of official forgiveness for a crime.
“The governor issued a pardon for the wrongly convicted man.”
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Amnesty
Amnesty is a form of forgiveness for a group or class.
“The government announced amnesty for all political prisoners.”
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Pardon
Pardon serves as a reprieve from judicial punishment.
“He was grateful for the pardon that halted his punishment.”
Aimie Carlson
Oct 27, 2023
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Amnesty
Amnesty can prevent prosecution for specific offenses.
“Amnesty was granted, preventing their trial for the demonstrations.”
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Pardon
Pardon is an act of clemency granted by an authority.
“The pardon saved him from serving the rest of his sentence.”
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Amnesty
Amnesty has a broad application covering multiple offenses.
“The amnesty applied to all acts related to the civil unrest.”
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Pardon
Pardon can provide personal relief from legal penalties.
“The pardon brought relief to his family after years of struggle.”
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Amnesty
Amnesty doesn’t imply guilt or innocence.
“The amnesty was an act of reconciliation, not an admission of guilt.”
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Pardon
To release (a person) from punishment or disfavor for wrongdoing or a fault
A convicted criminal who was pardoned by the governor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Amnesty
A general pardon granted by a government
Amnesty for military deserters.
Amnesty for tax evasion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
To allow (an offense or fault) to pass without punishment or disfavor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Amnesty
An act of the sovereign power granting oblivion, or a general pardon, for a past offense, as to subjects concerned in an insurrection.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
Exemption of a convicted person from the penalties of an offense or crime by the power of the executor of the laws.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
Allowance or forgiveness for an offense or a discourtesy
Begged the host's pardon for leaving early.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Amnesty
An act of the sovereign power granting oblivion, or a general pardon, for a past offense, as to subjects concerned in an insurrection.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
(legal) An order that releases a convicted criminal without further punishment, prevents future punishment, or (in some jurisdictions) removes an offence from a person's criminal record, as if it had never been committed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
The act of pardoning; forgiveness, as of an offender, or of an offense; release from penalty; remission of punishment; absolution.
Pardon, my lord, for me and for my tidings.
But infinite in pardon was my judge.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
An official warrant of remission of penalty.
Sign me a present pardon for my brother.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
A release, by a sovereign, or officer having jurisdiction, from the penalties of an offense, being distinguished from amnesty, which is a general obliteration and canceling of a particular line of past offenses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
To absolve from the consequences of a fault or the punishment of crime; to free from penalty; - applied to the offender.
In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant.
I pray you, pardon me; pray heartily, pardon me.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
To remit the penalty of; to suffer to pass without punishment; to forgive; - applied to offenses.
I pray thee, pardon my sin.
Apollo, pardonMy great profaneness 'gainst thine oracle!
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
To refrain from exacting as a penalty.
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Pardon
Grant a pardon to;
Ford pardoned Nixon
The Thanksgiving turkey was pardoned by the President
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Who can grant a pardon?
A pardon is typically granted by a president or governor.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Who declares amnesty?
Amnesty is often declared by a government or head of state.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Can a pardon be granted after conviction?
Yes, a pardon can be granted before or after conviction.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Does amnesty prevent prosecution?
Yes, amnesty often prevents prosecution for a particular offense.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Is amnesty specific to an individual?
No, amnesty typically applies to a group or class of people.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Does a pardon imply guilt?
A pardon may require admission of guilt, but not always.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Does a pardon absolve legal consequences?
Yes, a pardon absolves an individual from legal consequences.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Does a pardon cover multiple offenses?
A pardon is typically for a specific offense.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
Can anyone request a pardon?
Individuals can request a pardon, but granting it is at the authority’s discretion.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Can amnesty cover multiple offenses?
Yes, amnesty can cover a range of offenses.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Are pardons and amnesties controversial?
Both can be controversial, depending on the circumstances and the individuals involved.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
Does amnesty imply guilt or innocence?
No, amnesty doesn’t imply guilt or innocence.
Janet White
Nov 02, 2023
Is amnesty a form of justice?
Amnesty is more about forgiveness and reconciliation than justice.
Sara Rehman
Nov 02, 2023
How is amnesty declared?
Amnesty is usually declared through an official government statement or decree.
Harlon Moss
Nov 02, 2023
Does a pardon affect criminal records?
A pardon may expunge or clear the criminal record, depending on the jurisdiction.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
