Amnesty is a legal act that allows individuals or groups to be forgiven for certain offenses, often related to political crimes or violations of laws. It is typically granted by a government or authority and can result in the cancellation of penalties or the restoration of rights. Amnesty is often used to promote reconciliation and peace, especially after conflicts or periods of political unrest. In many cases, amnesty is offered to encourage people to come forward and share information or to foster cooperation with authorities. For example, during times of war, governments may grant amnesty to combatants who lay down their arms, aiming to reduce violence and support a peaceful resolution.