exculpatory

[ ik-skuhl-puh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. tending to clear from a charge of fault or guilt.

Other Words From

• nonex·culpa·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exculpatory¹

First recorded in 1770–80; exculpate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Colombo asserts that exculpatory material in the government’s possession pertaining to a cooperating witness was not shared with the defendants during trial.

From Los Angeles Times

According to the passages that were unsealed, Menendez plans to testify about what he believes were exculpatory communications with his wife, Nadine, if he decides to take the witness stand in his defense.

From Seattle Times

Defense attorneys for Baldwin are urging the judge to dismiss the grand jury indictment, accusing prosecutors of “unfairly stacking the deck” in grand jury proceedings that diverted attention away from exculpatory evidence and witnesses.

From Seattle Times

The crimes against humanity committed by Nazi Germany against Jews are in no way exculpatory for the crimes against humanity now being committed by Israel.

From Salon

Mitchell told the judge that for decades since Peterson’s 2004 trial, vital evidence connected to the conviction has been withheld and that prosecutors continue to thwart and delay the discovery of potentially exculpatory evidence.

From Los Angeles Times