What is the Difference Between Amnesty and Pardon?

Amnesty and pardon are both forms of forgiveness for criminal acts, but they differ in their application, scope, and effects. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Scope: Amnesty is granted to a group of persons, usually for political crimes or during periods of insurrection and revolt. It is considered a cause of prosecution and dismissal of criminal proceedings. On the other hand, a pardon is granted to an individual who has already been convicted.
2. Characteristics: Amnesty is the abolition or oblivion of the offense, often extended to persons who are subject to prosecution. Pardon, on the other hand, is the forgiveness of the offense and is granted by the head of state.
3. Effects: When a pardon is given, it only removes the punishment and does not affect compensation and debt. In contrast, amnesty drops prosecution and criminal proceedings, suspends the sentence, and removes the effects of the conviction. However, a pardon can also remove the effects of a conviction.
4. Stage of Criminal Case: Amnesty can be applied at all stages of a criminal case, from detection to execution of a sentence. Pardon is applicable only after the issuance of a final order and cannot be applied before.

In summary, amnesty is a collective pardon typically granted to a group of persons during specific political or social situations, while a pardon is granted to an individual who has already been convicted, and it only applies after a final order has been issued. The effects of amnesty include the dismissal of criminal proceedings and the removal of the effects of the conviction, whereas a pardon only removes the punishment and does not affect compensation and debt.

Comparative Table: Amnesty vs Pardon

Here is a table comparing the differences between amnesty and pardon:

In summary, amnesty is a general pardon for a group of people for specific offenses, usually involving political crimes. Pardon, on the other hand, is an official forgiveness for an individual's offense, granted by the government after conviction.