Mitigating (or extenuating) circumstances are factors that tend to lessen the severity of a crime or its punishment by making the defendant's conduct understandable or less blameworthy. Mitigating circumstances might include a defendant's young age, mental illness or addiction, or minor role in the crime.

What is an example of a mitigating circumstance?

Some examples include a lack of remorse, a leadership role in the crime, or history of criminal behavior. If a case's mitigating circumstances outweigh the aggravating circumstances, the judge is likely to be less aggressive in their ruling.

What are the 5 mitigating circumstances?

Mitigating factors include previous good character, remorse or good conduct following arrest, voluntary compensation of victims, a full admission of facts and guilt, duress, very young or old age or minor role in the offence.