Which judicial power allows the president to forgive or lessen the penalties of offenses?

The president's ability to forgive or lessen penalties for offenses is known as a pardon. This power, granted by the U.S. Constitution, allows the president to absolve individuals of legal consequences associated with criminal convictions, effectively restoring their rights and alleviating the punishment imposed by the judicial system. This can involve forgiving a conviction altogether, allowing the individual to regain their civil rights, such as the right to vote or hold public office.

While commutation also involves the reduction of a sentence, it does not eliminate the conviction itself, nor does it restore rights as a pardon does. Impeachment, on the other hand, refers to the process by which a sitting president or other federal officials can be charged with misconduct, and a decree is not a recognized form of judicial power associated with the presidency. Thus, the option of pardon accurately describes the president's authority to mitigate penalties.