term:

Absolve

absolve vt

ab·solved
ab·solv·ing
1 : to set free or release from some obligation or responsibility [a judgment terminating a parent's rights…s that parent of all future support obligations "In re Bruce R., 662 A.2d 107 (1995)"]
2 : to determine to be free of fault, guilt, or liability [a jury absolved the defendant of any negligence "Harbaugh v. Darr, 438 P.2d 74 (1968)"]

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.