What does exoneration mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, exoneration refers to the official absolution of an individual from blame or fault, particularly after they have been wrongfully convicted of a crime. This process typically involves a reevaluation of the evidence or legal arguments that led to the original conviction, which ultimately results in clearing the individual's name and acknowledging their innocence. Exoneration can occur through various means, such as new evidence coming to light, procedural errors being discovered, or judicial review. It is a critical aspect of the justice system that seeks to rectify miscarriages of justice and protect the rights of individuals wrongly accused or convicted.

The other options relate to different legal actions but do not capture the specific meaning of exoneration. Reducing a sentence involves adjusting the punishment for a convicted individual without necessarily addressing their culpability. Initiating an appeal process is a legal step taken to challenge a conviction or sentence, but it does not imply that the person's innocence is being acknowledged. Imposing additional penalties is about increasing consequences for a convicted individual, which is contrary to the concept of exoneration.