Excusing, clearing from guilt. In some states, clinical practice guidelines can be used as an affirmative defense in a medical malpractice claim if the physician can prove that she or he followed them. The defense is exculpatory in that it can excuse a physician if evidence of compliance is offered and proven.
Granting a waiver or yielding a legal right. Exculpatory language that asks human subjects in research projects to waive their rights in informed consent agreements is unethical and illegal.