Reprieve, << rih PREEV, >> is the temporary suspension of a sentence passed on a criminal. The sentence is postponed for a definite period of time. Reprieves are sometimes granted to permit consideration of new evidence, or a further investigation of the case. The chief executive of a state or country usually grants reprieves.
A reprieve is not a pardon (see Pardon ). A reprieve makes no change in the sentence, but merely changes the date when the sentence goes into effect. A delay or reprieve granted to a prisoner by the court which passed the sentence is often called a stay of execution.
