Kindness and mercy shown to someone who could be punished more severely. It often refers to reducing a criminal’s sentence or showing leniency.
From Latin "clementia" meaning "mildness, gentleness, mercy," from "clemens" meaning "gentle" or "merciful." It originally described both mild weather and mild behavior.
The same root that gave us gentle weather ("clement") gives us gentle justice ("clemency"). It’s a reminder that power doesn’t have to be harsh; it can choose to be soft like a warm day instead of a storm.
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