extenuating circumstances

noun, Law.
1.
circumstances that render conduct less serious and thereby serve to reduce the damages to be awarded or the punishment to be imposed.
Origin
1830-40
Idioms and Phrases with extenuating circumstances

extenuating circumstances

A situation or condition that provides an excuse for an action, as in Although Nancy missed three crucial rehearsals, there were extenuating circumstances, so she was not dismissed. This expression was originally legal terminology, denoting circumstances that partly excuse a crime and therefore call for less punishment or damages. [ c. 1600 ]