Commutation as a type of release can mean which of the following?

Commutation refers to the reduction of a person's sentence by a decision from a governing authority, typically a governor or a parole board. When commutation occurs, it does not equate to the complete end of the sentence term; however, it signifies a substantial reduction in the duration of the sentence that the individual is required to serve. This can imply that, while the person may still be under some form of supervision or requirement, the term has been reduced significantly.

In the context of this question, "end of sentence" accurately captures what commutation can mean if it leads to the early release of an inmate. It is distinct from parole, which entails supervision after serving part of the sentence or conditional freedom, as well as from community service completion, which is typically a condition of probation or a separate sentence type. Therefore, the correct choice highlights a common interpretation of commutation and its implications for a person's incarceration status.