The term "given a pardon" refers to an act of forgiveness bestowed on an individual by a governing authority. The more common synonyms for this phrase include "granted clemency," "exonerated," "reprieved," and "absolved." To be "granted clemency" means that the recipient's sentence has been reduced or eliminated. To be "exonerated" means that the individual has been declared not guilty of a crime. "Reprieve" describes the act of temporarily halting a punishment. Finally, "absolved" refers to a state of being freed from guilt or responsibility. Whatever the synonymous term used, it is clear that the act of being given a pardon relieves an individual from the weight of a prior conviction.