Final answer:
Historical military commanders had the authority to mitigate unexecuted punishments, which could involve reducing the severity or changing the nature of the penalty, as a form of justice or mercy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question revolves around historical practices of military commanders and their authority to alter punishments within their rank. During various periods of history, such as the Force Publique discipline in the Congo or during the time of Roman law, those in command had the power to modify penalties. Commanders could mitigate an unexecuted punishment by either reducing its severity or altering its form. This was often done as a form of mercy or practicality, varying from sparing the weak in schools to decisions made during conflicts or in the military justice system. The examples provided from historical texts reflect the discretionary powers military commanders and other authorities had over the punishments of individuals under their control.