Pardoning is a legal act where a person in authority, often a government official like a president or governor, forgives someone for a crime. This means the individual is relieved from the legal consequences of their actions, which can include prison time or fines. Pardons can be granted for various reasons, such as showing remorse, good behavior, or to correct a wrongful conviction. The process of obtaining a pardon usually involves an application, review, and a decision by the pardoning authority. In the United States, for example, the President has the power to grant pardons for federal offenses, while state governors can pardon state crimes.