Legal Definitions - unconditional pardon

An unconditional pardon is a type of pardon that releases a person from punishment and restores their civil rights without any conditions or qualifications. It is also known as an absolute pardon or full pardon.

For example, if someone was convicted of a crime and sentenced to prison, an unconditional pardon would release them from prison and restore their rights as a citizen, such as the right to vote or own a firearm, without any restrictions or conditions.

Unconditional pardons are usually granted by the chief executive of a government, such as the President for federal offenses or state governors for state crimes. They are often seen as a personal concession by the head of state to the offender, in mitigation or remission of the full punishment that they have merited.