Legal Definitions - act of grace

An act of grace is a merciful act, especially one performed by a monarch at the beginning of their reign or on a significant occasion. It is an act of clemency, which means showing mercy or forgiveness to someone who has done wrong.

• A king may grant an act of grace to a prisoner by pardoning them and releasing them from jail.
• A president may grant an act of grace by commuting a prisoner's sentence, reducing their punishment.
• A judge may grant an act of grace by giving a lighter sentence to someone who has shown remorse for their actions.

These examples illustrate how an act of grace can be shown in different ways and by different people in positions of power. It is a way of showing mercy and forgiveness, and can be a powerful tool for promoting justice and compassion.