Definition
死缓 (sǐ huǎn) is a legal term unique to Chinese criminal law, short for 死刑缓期执行 ('death sentence with a reprieve'). It means a death sentence that is suspended for two years; if the convict commits no further intentional crimes during that period, the sentence is typically commuted to life imprisonment. It is not simply a 'stay of execution' in the Western sense — it is a distinct penalty category between a death sentence and life imprisonment.
n.
death sentence with a two-year reprieve (a unique Chinese legal penalty)
Examples
- 死缓，。Fǎyuàn pànchǔ tā sǐ huǎn, huǎnqī liǎng nián zhíxíng.The court sentenced him to death with a two-year reprieve.
- 死缓，，。Zài sǐ huǎn qījiān, tā méiyǒu zài fànzuì, suǒyǐ gǎipàn wéi wúqī túxíng.During the reprieve period, he committed no further crimes, so his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
- 死缓。sǐ huǎn zhìdù shì Zhōngguó xíngfǎ de yí gè tèdiǎn.The system of death sentence with a reprieve is a feature of Chinese criminal law.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.