To pardon someone means to forgive them for a fault or crime they have committed, often formally removing penalties or legal consequences associated with that offense. It is an official act of forgiveness that may restore certain civil rights but does not necessarily imply innocence. In legal terms, a pardon can relieve a person from the consequences of a conviction, such as restrictions on voting or employment, effectively forgiving the offense and lessening its stigma.
General Meaning
- Pardoning someone means excusing or forgiving their offense and allowing them to pass without punishment.
- It can be an expression of forgiveness for something said or done, often used politely in everyday language.
Legal and Official Context
- A pardon is typically granted by a government official (e.g., a president or governor) and may restore rights lost due to the conviction, like voting or holding office.
- It does not mean the person is declared innocent but rather that the legal penalties are lifted.
- A pardon can also prevent further legal actions related to the offense in some cases.
Polite Usage
- Outside of legal use, "pardon" is also a polite expression to ask for forgiveness for minor offenses, to get someone's attention, or to repeat something not heard clearly.
In summary, pardoning someone primarily means officially forgiving a crime or wrongdoing and lifting legal consequences, while also functioning in everyday language as a polite form of apology or request for repetition.
