Legal Definitions - act of grace

An act of grace refers to an official decision by a sovereign, head of state, or government to show mercy, leniency, or forgiveness. These acts often involve granting pardons, reducing sentences, or offering amnesty to individuals or groups. They are typically performed to mark a significant occasion, such as a coronation, a national holiday, a major anniversary, or as a gesture of goodwill and reconciliation.

• Example 1: A Royal Coronation

  When a new monarch is crowned, they might issue a decree pardoning a specific category of non-violent offenders who have already served a substantial part of their sentences. This gesture, performed at the beginning of their reign, symbolizes a fresh start and the monarch's benevolence towards their subjects.

  This illustrates an act of grace because it is an official act of clemency (pardoning offenders) performed by a sovereign on a significant occasion (a coronation).

• Example 2: A National Anniversary

  A country celebrating its 100th year of independence might announce a general amnesty for citizens who committed minor, non-violent regulatory infractions, such as certain overdue administrative fines, before a specific cut-off date. The government frames this as a way to foster national unity and allow citizens to start anew in the centennial year.

  This is an act of grace because it's an official act of forgiveness (amnesty for minor infractions) by the government, tied to a significant national celebration (the independence anniversary).

• Example 3: Post-Conflict Reconciliation

  Following a period of civil unrest and the signing of a peace accord, a government might declare a limited pardon for individuals who participated in certain non-violent protests, provided they surrender any remaining weapons and commit to peaceful civic engagement. This is done to encourage reconciliation and help the nation heal.

  This demonstrates an act of grace as it is an official act of clemency (limited pardon) by the government, performed to mark a significant occasion (the peace accord and national healing) and promote unity.