Commutation is the process of changing a punishment to a less severe one. This often occurs in the legal system when a person convicted of a crime requests a reduction in their sentence. The decision to commute a sentence is typically made by a government official, such as a governor or the president, and can be based on various factors, including good behavior or new evidence. In addition to legal contexts, commutation can also refer to the act of traveling regularly between home and work. This daily journey, often called a commute, can involve various modes of transportation, such as cars, buses, or trains, and is a common part of many people's lives.