Legal Definitions - amnesty clause

An amnesty clause is a part of a peace treaty that forgives past crimes like treason, rebellion, and war crimes. It can be given to all guilty people or just some of them.

After the civil war in the United States, President Lincoln issued an amnesty clause that forgave all Confederate soldiers for their rebellion against the Union.

In 2011, the Libyan government issued an amnesty clause for rebels who fought against them during the civil war.

These examples show how amnesty clauses can be used to forgive past crimes and promote peace. They allow people who were once enemies to move forward without fear of punishment for their past actions.