What is it called when the President grants legal forgiveness for a crime?

When the President grants legal forgiveness for a crime, it is referred to as a pardon. A pardon is a specific power of the executive branch that allows the President to absolve an individual from the legal consequences of a crime, effectively removing penalties and restoring rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms. This power is outlined in the Constitution under Article II, Section 2, which gives the President the authority to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.

While clemency is a broader term that encompasses various forms of relief, including commutations (which reduce the severity of a sentence) and pardons, a pardon specifically conveys forgiveness for the offense itself. Amnesty is typically used to refer to broader acts of forgiveness for a group of individuals, often in the context of political crimes or immigrants. Expungement is the legal process of sealing or erasing a criminal record but doesn't involve a direct act of forgiveness from the President. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why a pardon is the appropriate term for this action taken by the President.