What is "exoneration"

Exoneration \Ex*on`er*a"tion\, n. [L. exoneratio: cf. F. Exon['e]ration.] The act of disburdening, discharging, or freeing morally from a charge or imputation; also, the state of being disburdened or freed from a charge.

1630s, from Late Latin exonerationem (nominative exoneratio) "an unloading, lightening," noun of action from past participle stem of exonerare "free from a burden" (see exonerate).\n

n. An act of disburdening, discharging, or freeing morally from a charge or imputation

1. n. the condition of being relieved from blame or obligation

2. the act of vindicating or defending against criticism or censure etc.; "friends provided a vindication of his position" [syn: vindication]

Exoneration occurs when the conviction for a crime is reversed, either through demonstration of innocence, a flaw in the conviction, or otherwise. Attempts to exonerate convicts are particularly controversial in death penalty cases, especially where new evidence is put forth after the execution has taken place.

The term "exoneration" also is used in criminal law to indicate a surety bail bond has been satisfied, completed, and exonerated. The judge orders the bond exonerated; the clerk of court time stamps the original bail bond power and indicates exonerated as the judicial order.