In law, a commutation is the substitution of a lesser penalty for that given after a conviction for a crime. The penalty can be lessened in severity, in duration, or both.

What does it mean when something is commuted?

transitive verb. 1a : change, alter. b : to give in exchange for another : exchange commuting foreign currency to domestic. 2 : to convert (something, such as a payment) into another form The periodic payments may be commuted into a lump sum.

What does commuted mean in legal terms?

Commutation means the substitution of one thing for another. ... In criminal law, commutation refers to reducing or lessening a sentence or punishment resulting from a criminal conviction, which can be done by the governor of a state (for state convictions) or president of the United States (for federal convictions).