Absolution

In Civil Law. A sentence whereby a party accused is declared innocent of the crime laid to his charge. as are penitent are remitted. The formula of absolution in the Roman Church is absolute; in the Greek Church it is deprecatory; in the Reformed Churches, declaratory. Among Protestants it is chiefly used for a sejitence by which a person who stands excommunicated is released or freed from that punishment. Enc. Brit. In French Law. The dismissal of an accusation. The term "acquitment" is employed when the accused is declared not guilty, and "absolution" when he is recognized as guilty, but the act is not punishable by law, or he is exonerated by some defect of intention or will.