What is the term used for a pardon extended to a group of persons?

The correct term for a pardon extended to a group of persons is "amnesty." Amnesty typically refers to a formal forgiveness or exemption granted by the government to a specific group of individuals, often for political offenses or civil disobedience. This can include actions like protecting individuals from prosecution after particular events or conflicts, often as part of a broader reconciliation effort.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it distinguishes between individual pardons and collective legal relief. A traditional pardon usually pertains to an individual case, while amnesty addresses a wider scope, often to promote healing and unity within a society or to manage large-scale historical grievances.

The other terms don't fit the description as precisely. A pardon is specific to an individual and their offense, a reprieve is a temporary delay of punishment for an individual, and an executive order refers to directives issued by the president that manage operations of the federal government but are not inherently related to the concept of forgiving offenses.