What act of clemency changes a heavier sentence to a less serious one?

Commutation is a specific act of clemency that entails reducing a prisoner's sentence to a less severe punishment. This can involve shortening the length of incarceration or changing a sentence from a more severe form, such as life imprisonment, to a shorter term. It reflects a recognition that the original sentence may no longer be appropriate due to various circumstances, such as good behavior, changes in law, or humanitarian concerns.

In the context of correctional administration, commutation serves as a means of allowing for the possibility of rehabilitation and reintegration into society. It is an important tool in the justice system, providing a way to adjust sentences based on the evolving understanding of justice and rehabilitation.

The other options, while related to clemency, do not specifically entail reducing a sentence. Amnesty often involves a broader legal remission of penalties for a group of offenders, reprieve typically refers to a temporary delay in the enforcement of a sentence, and thus does not directly equate to a change in the severity of the sentence itself. Therefore, commutation stands out as the act that specifically changes a heavier sentence to a less serious one.