SINCE 1828
mitigating circumstance
nounLegal Definition of mitigating circumstance
: a circumstance in the commission of an act that lessens the degree of criminal culpability
was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder because of mitigating circumstances
also
: a circumstance or factor relating to an offense or defendant that does not bear on the question of culpability but that receives consideration by the court especially in lessening the severity of a sentence
the mitigating circumstance of the defendant's terminal illness
— compare aggravating circumstance
Comments on mitigating circumstance
What made you want to look up mitigating circumstance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Play the game
Share mitigating circumstance
Resources for mitigating circumstance