Difference Between Amnesty and Pardon

Amnesty and pardon are two possible solutions available to those convicted of committing a crime. Both terms are closely related but in reality, the two are quite different from one another. To make a difference between the two, it’s important to understand the nuances of each one and how it applies to those convicted of criminal activity.

Definition of Amnesty

The term “amnesty” can be defined as a form of clemency that is offered by a government or other powerful entity. In some cases, an amnesty can even be declared by an individual rather than an entire organization. An amnesty is typically offered to those who have committed a crime, usually political in nature, as a method of expressing mercy and forgiveness.

Amnesties are typically offered with conditions attached to them. This means that it’s possible to still face prosecution, albeit a lesser amount than the original sentence, if those conditions are not met. In some cases, individuals who receive an amnesty still need to return any goods they stole or pay restitution to those they are responsible for harming.

Definition of Pardon

On the other hand, a pardon is slightly different than an amnesty in that it seeks to exempt an individual from serving their sentence or even any possible retribution levied by an appeal court. In most cases, the governing entity that issues the pardon has the legal authority to do so without regard to the opinion of the court system. Pardons can be issued for any type of crime, both political and non-political.

One of the major differences between a pardon and an amnesty is that a pardon does not require the individual to take responsibility for the crime. For example, if a person is arrested for a non-violent crime a pardon may be issued and the individual would not have to admit to the crime or accept any liability. This is in contrast to an amnesty which typically requires an individual to admit to the crime in order to receive the mercy.