LESSON 5
CLEMENCY AND RELEASE PROCEDURES
OVERVIEW
LESSON DESCRIPTION:
In this lesson, you will learn the general release procedures for prisoners, the use of clemency and its effect, and
how to verify or execute DD Form 2718 (Prisoner's Release Order) and DD Form 2708 (Receipt for Prisoner or
Detained Person).
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
ACTION:
Learn the general release procedures for prisoners.
CONDITION:
Use this subcourse.
STANDARD: Demonstrate competency of this task by achieving a minimum passing score of 70 percent on the
final subcourse examination.
REFERENCES: The material contained in this lesson was derived from the following publications: AR 190-
47 and FM 3-19.40.
INTRODUCTION
Throughout previous lessons, individualized correctional treatment has been stressed. As long as an individual
is in confinement, a program must be developed to meet his needs. The objective of this program includes the
necessity to alter the attitudes of the prisoner in such a way that he will understand that he can make a
contribution to society rather than be a burden society must carry. Once this is accomplished, the job is done
and with the job done, there is little need for further confinement. Although sentenced to a period of
confinement by a duly constituted court-martial, this does not mean that the individual is required to serve his
entire sentence as stated by the court. If his attitude meets the desired standards, usually demonstrated by
improved behaviors, he may be released early from confinement. This is referred to as clemency.
General release procedures and DD Form 2718 and DD Form 2708.
1. Terminology.
a. Mitigation. Mitigation is the lessening of punishment imposed by a court-martial or the furnishing of
grounds for a recommendation of clemency. Reasons for mitigation may include particular acts of good
conduct. These causes may also be the reputation or record of the prisoner in the service for efficiency, fidelity,
subordination, temperance, courage, or other traits that generally characterize a good officer or enlisted man.
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