Question

A jury must decide whether a defendant, already judged guilty, should receive the death penalty. They are told that the defendant committed the crime after years of physical abuse, a fact that could argue for a sentence less than death. This is an example of a(n) _______________ factor.

Answer 1

Answer:

This is an example of a mitigating factor.

Explanation:

In criminal law, a mitigating factor is an extenuating circumstance or condition that might lead the jury or judge to lessen a sentence or take into consideration because it explains in greater detail why a defendant might have committed a crime. The factor or circumstance usually makes it more understandable why the defendant took certain actions or why it is possible to have some sympathy or empathy for the defendant. An example would be if the defendant had been manipulated by someone else, for example, or if the crime was committed under duress of some sort, like being mandated to do something by your superiors at work.