"Amnesty, n. The state's magnanimity to those offenders whom it would be too expensive to punish"

This quote by Ambrose Bierce is referring to the idea of amnesty, which is when a federal government or state excuses a group or individual for a criminal activity they have actually committed. This quote is recommending that amnesty is a type of magnanimity, or generosity, for the state. It suggests that the state wants to forgive those who have actually devoted a crime, despite the fact that it would certainly be as well costly to penalize them. This can be due to the expense of a trial, or the cost of incarcerating the wrongdoer. In this way, amnesty can be viewed as a kind of grace, as it allows the state to show leniency to those that have actually dedicated a criminal offense. It can additionally be viewed as a means of saving money, as the state does not need to spend for the price of a test or incarceration. Ultimately, this quote is recommending that amnesty is a kind of kindness for the state, and also is a way of showing mercy to those that have actually devoted a criminal activity.