EXTENUATIO

1 definition found

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  EXTENUATION. That which renders a crime or tort less heinous than it would 
  be without it: it is opposed to aggravation. (q.v. ) 
       2. In general, extenuating circumstances go in mitigation of punishment 
  in criminal cases, or of damages in those of a civil nature. See 
  Aggravation; Mitigation.