Imperial Amnesty

Emperors issued amnesties to address extensive and excessive punishments, pardon convicted imperial relatives and confidants, and forgive participants in rebellion. Several emperors realized that the legal system victimized a large portion of the population, including good people. Instead of implementing thorough reforms to the legal system, the emperors generally relied on temporary amnesties as a solution to the widespread criminalization of commoners. While amnesties allowed the population to tolerate the legal system, they directly distorted the concept of justice. The emperor forgave criminals but did not forget their crimes. Officials who implemented the law were blamed for causing chaos and suffering, while the emperor presented himself as a savior. Men, upon being convicted, lost their independence, dignity, and autonomy before the law. However, after being pardoned, they owed their lives and deaths to the throne.