EXONERATIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Exonerations refer to the act or process of proving someone's innocence, specifically in the context of a crime or wrongdoing for which they were previously accused, charged, convicted, or incarcerated. It is the official recognition and declaration that an individual has been wrongly accused or convicted based on new evidence or reevaluation of existing evidence.
During an exoneration, it is determined that the person did not commit the offense for which they were imprisoned or labeled guilty. The term implies that the person's name is cleared, and any associated criminal record or punishment is removed, thus restoring their reputation as an innocent individual in society.
Exonerations can occur as a result of various factors, including the discovery of new evidence, DNA testing, the confession of the actual perpetrator, misconduct or errors by law enforcement or prosecution, or advancements in forensic science. Additionally, cases of wrongful convictions that were based on false testimony, unreliable witnesses, mistaken identification, or other procedural flaws can lead to exonerations.
Exonerations play a crucial role in acknowledging and rectifying miscarriages of justice. They serve to correct the mistakes of the legal system and provide a chance for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted to regain their freedom and reclaim their lives. It is pivotal to the overall fairness, credibility, and integrity of the justice system that exoneration is pursued when appropriate and that those who are innocent are absolved from blame and the consequences that came with it.
Etymology of EXONERATIONS
The word "exonerations" traces its origins to the Latin word "exonerare", which can be broken down into "ex-" meaning "out of" or "from", and "onerare" meaning "to burden" or "to load". When combined, "exonerare" signifies "to unload" or "to free from a burden". This Latin root eventually evolved into the Old French word "exoneracion", which maintained a similar meaning. Eventually, the term made its way into English, slightly modified, as "exoneration". In its plural form, it became "exonerations", which refers to instances or acts of exoneration.
Similar spelling words for EXONERATIONS
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