Pardon vs. Amnesty: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || 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.
A pardon can be given before or after a conviction. Amnesty often prevents prosecution for a particular offense.
Pardon is a specific act of clemency. Amnesty is a broader forgiveness for political or related offenses.
Pardons are often granted case-by-case. Amnesty covers a range of offenses within its declaration.
Pardons may require admission of guilt. Amnesty doesn’t imply guilt or innocence, focusing on forgiveness.
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Comparison Chart
Scope
Individual
Group or class
Timing
Before or after conviction
Often prevents prosecution
Nature
Specific act of clemency
Broader forgiveness
Application
Case-by-case basis
Covers a range of offenses
Implication
May require admission of guilt
Doesn’t imply guilt or innocence
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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.”
Amnesty
Amnesty often applies to political offenses.
“The amnesty covered those who protested during the uprising.”
Pardon
Pardon is a form of official forgiveness for a crime.
“The governor issued a pardon for the wrongly convicted man.”
Amnesty
Amnesty is a form of forgiveness for a group or class.
“The government announced amnesty for all political prisoners.”
Pardon
Pardon serves as a reprieve from judicial punishment.
“He was grateful for the pardon that halted his punishment.”
Amnesty
Amnesty can prevent prosecution for specific offenses.
“Amnesty was granted, preventing their trial for the demonstrations.”
Pardon
Pardon is an act of clemency granted by an authority.
“The pardon saved him from serving the rest of his sentence.”
Amnesty
Amnesty has a broad application covering multiple offenses.
“The amnesty applied to all acts related to the civil unrest.”
Pardon
Pardon can provide personal relief from legal penalties.
“The pardon brought relief to his family after years of struggle.”
Amnesty
Amnesty doesn’t imply guilt or innocence.
“The amnesty was an act of reconciliation, not an admission of guilt.”
Pardon
To release (a person) from punishment or disfavor for wrongdoing or a fault
A convicted criminal who was pardoned by the governor.
Amnesty
A general pardon granted by a government
Amnesty for military deserters.
Amnesty for tax evasion.
Pardon
To allow (an offense or fault) to pass without punishment or disfavor.
Amnesty
To grant a general pardon to.
Pardon
To make courteous allowance for; excuse
Pardon me, I'm in a hurry.
Amnesty
Forgetfulness; cessation of remembrance of wrong; oblivion.
Pardon
The act of pardoning.
Amnesty
An act of the sovereign power granting oblivion, or a general pardon, for a past offense, as to subjects concerned in an insurrection.
Pardon
Exemption of a convicted person from the penalties of an offense or crime by the power of the executor of the laws.
Amnesty
To grant a pardon (to a group)
Pardon
An official document or warrant declaring such an exemption.
Amnesty
Forgetfulness; cessation of remembrance of wrong; oblivion.
Pardon
Allowance or forgiveness for an offense or a discourtesy
Begged the host's pardon for leaving early.
Amnesty
An act of the sovereign power granting oblivion, or a general pardon, for a past offense, as to subjects concerned in an insurrection.
Pardon
Roman Catholic Church An indulgence.
Amnesty
To grant amnesty to.
Pardon
Forgiveness for an offence.
Amnesty
A period during which offenders are exempt from punishment
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.
Amnesty
A warrant granting release from punishment for an offense
Pardon
(transitive) To forgive (a person).
Amnesty
The formal act of liberating someone
Pardon
(transitive) To refrain from exacting as a penalty.
Amnesty
Grant a pardon to (a group of people)
Pardon
To grant an official pardon for a crime.
Pardon
Often used when someone does not understand what another person says.
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.
Pardon
An official warrant of remission of penalty.
Sign me a present pardon for my brother.
Pardon
The state of being forgiven.
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.
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.
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!
Pardon
To refrain from exacting as a penalty.
I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it.
Pardon
To give leave (of departure) to.
Even now about it! I will pardon you.
Pardon
The act of excusing a mistake or offense
Pardon
A warrant granting release from punishment for an offense
Pardon
The formal act of liberating someone
Pardon
Accept an excuse for;
Please excuse my dirty hands
Pardon
Grant a pardon to;
Ford pardoned Nixon
The Thanksgiving turkey was pardoned by the President
FAQs
Who can grant a pardon?
A pardon is typically granted by a president or governor.
Who declares amnesty?
Amnesty is often declared by a government or head of state.
Can a pardon be granted after conviction?
Yes, a pardon can be granted before or after conviction.
Does amnesty prevent prosecution?
Yes, amnesty often prevents prosecution for a particular offense.
Is amnesty specific to an individual?
No, amnesty typically applies to a group or class of people.
Does a pardon imply guilt?
A pardon may require admission of guilt, but not always.
What is amnesty?
Amnesty is a group pardon for political offenses.
What is a pardon?
A pardon is official forgiveness for a crime.
Does a pardon absolve legal consequences?
Yes, a pardon absolves an individual from legal consequences.
Does a pardon cover multiple offenses?
A pardon is typically for a specific offense.
Is a pardon a right?
No, a pardon is a privilege, not a right.
Can anyone request a pardon?
Individuals can request a pardon, but granting it is at the authority’s discretion.
Can amnesty cover multiple offenses?
Yes, amnesty can cover a range of offenses.
Is amnesty revocable?
Amnesty, once declared, is usually not revocable.
Are pardons and amnesties controversial?
Both can be controversial, depending on the circumstances and the individuals involved.
Does amnesty imply guilt or innocence?
No, amnesty doesn’t imply guilt or innocence.
Is amnesty a form of justice?
Amnesty is more about forgiveness and reconciliation than justice.
How is amnesty declared?
Amnesty is usually declared through an official government statement or decree.
Does a pardon affect criminal records?
A pardon may expunge or clear the criminal record, depending on the jurisdiction.
Can a pardon be revoked?
Generally, pardons are final and cannot be revoked.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
