In mitigation
preposition
To lessen the severity or seriousness of something, especially a crime or mistake, often in a law context.
The lawyer presented some facts in mitigation of the criminal charges.
Often appears as...
- plead in mitigation
- factors in mitigation
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
preposition
Used to describe circumstances that make a situation less serious or severe.
In mitigation of the harm done, the company donated to charity.
Often appears as...
- in mitigation of damages
- in mitigation of harm
preposition
To lessen the severity or seriousness of something, especially a crime or mistake, often in a law context.
The lawyer presented some facts in mitigation of the criminal charges.
Often appears as...
- plead in mitigation
- factors in mitigation
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
preposition
Used to describe circumstances that make a situation less serious or severe.
In mitigation of the harm done, the company donated to charity.
Often appears as...
- in mitigation of damages
- in mitigation of harm
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Context
Most common in law to describe why a punishment should be less harsh.
The judge considered the defendant's lack of prior offenses in mitigation.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Excusing
Doesn't excuse an action, but offers reasons for leniency.
He mentioned his troubled childhood in mitigation, not as an excuse for the crime.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotionally Charged
Can carry emotional weight, invoking sympathy or understanding.
Tears were shed as the family spoke in mitigation at the sentencing hearing.
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Context
Most common in law to describe why a punishment should be less harsh.
The judge considered the defendant's lack of prior offenses in mitigation.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Excusing
Doesn't excuse an action, but offers reasons for leniency.
He mentioned his troubled childhood in mitigation, not as an excuse for the crime.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotionally Charged
Can carry emotional weight, invoking sympathy or understanding.
Tears were shed as the family spoke in mitigation at the sentencing hearing.
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Context
Most common in law to describe why a punishment should be less harsh.
The judge considered the defendant's lack of prior offenses in mitigation.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Excusing
Doesn't excuse an action, but offers reasons for leniency.
He mentioned his troubled childhood in mitigation, not as an excuse for the crime.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotionally Charged
Can carry emotional weight, invoking sympathy or understanding.
Tears were shed as the family spoke in mitigation at the sentencing hearing.
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