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Simple English definitions for legal terms

Mitigating Circumstances

Read a random definition: de perambulatione facienda

A quick definition of Mitigating Circumstances:

Definition: Mitigating circumstances are factors that make a criminal act less severe or the person less responsible for it. These factors can include things like the person's age, mental state, or lack of a criminal record. Different places may recognize different factors as mitigating circumstances.

Illustrative caselaw: Magwood v. Patterson, 130 S.Ct. 2788 (2010).

Related terms: Aggravating circumstances, Death penalty.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Mitigating circumstances are factors that can reduce the severity or responsibility of a criminal act. These factors can include the defendant's age, mental or emotional state at the time of the crime, mental disability, and lack of a prior criminal record. The recognition of specific mitigating circumstances can vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Examples:

  • A defendant who committed a crime while suffering from a severe mental illness may have a mitigating circumstance that lessens their responsibility for the crime.
  • A defendant who committed a crime at a very young age may have a mitigating circumstance that takes into account their lack of maturity and understanding of the consequences of their actions.
  • A defendant who has no prior criminal record may have a mitigating circumstance that suggests they are not a habitual offender and may be less likely to commit future crimes.

These examples illustrate how mitigating circumstances can be used to reduce the severity of a criminal act. By taking into account the defendant's mental state, age, or prior criminal history, the court can determine a more appropriate punishment that takes into account the unique circumstances of the case.

Misunderstanding | Mitigating Factor

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18:18
you cooked
dasfi0990ut1
18:22
She Paris on my Hilton
fedclerkhopeful
18:31
@sadpadresfan: are you still set on Cornell?
dasfi0990ut1
18:32
@fedclerkhopeful: did u get that uCHI A?
dasfi0990ut1
18:32
miss ya, worried about u (llama)
fedclerkhopeful
18:33
nope I got the WL
dasfi0990ut1
18:33
fk this cycle.
fedclerkhopeful
18:33
still prolly set on reapplying unless SLS comes in clutch
dasfi0990ut1
18:34
Good on you! LS will always be there. I hope either way it works out- IK it will! Keep ya head up!
fedclerkhopeful
18:34
thank you :)
18:35
is the 50~70% conversion rate for Cornell ii accurate?
dasfi0990ut1
18:35
:)
fedclerkhopeful
18:35
yep
[] ararara
18:36
@fedclerkhopeful: what are your goals?
[] ararara
18:38
You remind me of a friend of mine from back in the day. They came in at the top of their class at a T14 but reapplied before doing this to get HYS. They still didn't get it the second time with perfect stats. That stuff is competitive and what does it matter anyway? Just saying!
18:42
Sometimes I’m like yeah i could work for five years and get into Harvard but that’s sooo much work
18:42
No thank you!
dasfi0990ut1
18:43
@dubiously: same. in 5 years ill either be in prison for fraud or retired in the caymen islands
18:43
This white boy don’t miss u would swear u saw Luka
fedclerkhopeful
19:10
@ararara: appellate clerkship and then civil liberties law
fedclerkhopeful
19:11
And yes, I have near perfect stats and would regret going to a lower tier school when reapplying is a viable option
omelette
19:12
lower tier and its mfing cornell
[] ararara
19:27
Haha didn't realize you were admitted at Cornell not why I'm saying this haha. I've also seen a few people get H and one person get Y the second time around. Hopefully things just work out now but if it doesn't go your way the second time don't worry ✌️ you 🫵 are amazing! For the record though my housemate's friend who graduated from Cornell has an appellate clerkship.
[] ararara
19:28
@dubiously: 💀😵👻
when do we think FSU and UF will have all decisions out
19:37
I know a guy who got an appellate clerkship out of a regional t100. He’s old now but still
dasfi0990ut1
19:43
@dubiously: was it Kansas by chance?
19:44
Of course. Kansas is an appellate clerkship powerhouse
dasfi0990ut1
19:45
KS to the T14 by 2028!
[] ararara
19:47
@FumblingRightfulLemur: I would look back at last cycle ✌️❤️ but also actually wouldn't even pay attention that's usually when it happens haha
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