Criminal Justice Practice Exam

What term is defined as the reduction of the original sentence by executive authority?

1. Parole

2. Commutation

3. Mandatory release

4. Revocation

The correct answer is: Commutation

The term that refers to the reduction of an original sentence by executive authority is "Commutation." Commutation is an act where a person in a position of executive authority, such as a governor or the president, reduces the severity of a punishment without overturning the conviction itself. This process may be influenced by various factors, including the conduct of the individual while incarcerated, humanitarian grounds, or public opinion. Commutation differs from other forms of sentence modifications in significant ways. For example, it is not the same as parole, which involves the supervised release of a prisoner before their full sentence is completed, demonstrating that the individual has met certain criteria for early release. Mandatory release, on the other hand, occurs automatically after a set period of time, based on the completion of a portion of the sentence and good behavior, rather than on executive discretion. Revocation involves the legal process of withdrawing a probation or parole status due to violations of the terms set, which does not pertain to the act of reducing a sentence. Thus, the correct understanding of "Commutation" adds clarity to its role in the criminal justice system as a means of reducing sentences at the discretion of executive authority.