Legal Dictionary of Pakistan

mitigating circumstance

. A fact or situation that does not justify or excuse a wrongful act or offense but that reduces the degree of culpability and thus may reduce the damages y (in a civil case) or the punishment ( in a criminal case). 2. A fact or situation that,-a not bear on the question of a defendant guilt but that is considered by the court in imposing punishment and esp. in lessee .the severity of a sentence. 3. Contracts unusual or unpredictable event that prevents performance, such as a labor strike. -termed extenuating circumstance.