Possible Clues:

• Forgive former partner with drug when copper's involved
• Cop out? Former case of sabotage keeps copper in
• Tax that's for everyone replacing current indulgence
• Forgive — allow to pass — plea
• Justification for wrongdoing
• 'The dog ate my homework' is a sad one
• Defence, justification
• "My alarm didn't go off," e.g
• Pardon the employment of the former century
• "The dog ate my homework" is a sad one