Difference Between AMNESTY and PARDON

Difference Between AMNESTY and PARDON

• Amnesty is a general pardon for groups of people, whereas pardon is for individuals.

• Pardon is used by the chief executive to mitigate or set aside the punishment of an individual for his crime.

• Amnesty is forgetfulness of the crime whereas pardon is mercy or clemency.

• Amnesty is usually reserved for offenses of political nature though governments can also declare amnesty for offenses related with firearms or tax evasion.

• Pardon excuses a criminal without exacting penalty.

• Pardon is for a criminal who has been tried and convicted whereas amnesty is for people who have not been tried.