What does a pardon represent in the context of the legal system?

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A pardon represents a declaration of forgiveness within the legal system. When an individual is granted a pardon, it signifies that the authority, typically the governor or the president, has decided to forgive the individual for a crime they have committed. This act absolves the person of the legal consequences of their conviction, although it does not necessarily declare them innocent of the crime. A pardon serves as a way to restore rights and relieve the individual from the ongoing penalties or stigmas associated with their criminal record. It is important to understand that while a pardon can provide relief and a second chance, it does not erase the past or confirm innocence; it simply reflects a decision to forgive and mitigate the consequences of the lawful punishment.