The article considers the problems that arise in the process of application of amnesty acts, as well as the prospects for the development of the institution of amnesty in the criminal law of Ukraine. The current legislation governing the application of amnesty is analyzed, in particular, the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine "On Amnesty", the Law of Ukraine "On Amnesty in 2016", etc., based on which shortcomings and ways to improve legal regulation in this area were identified.In particular, it is noted that amnesty, unlike other types of release from punishment, can be considered a kind of "forgiveness" of a person who has committed a criminal offense and was found guilty. The application of amnesty is not connected by the legislator with the manifestations of positive post-criminal behavior of the convict, nor with the terms that have passed since the commission of the criminal offense, as well as the change of any other circumstances. At the same time, a person who has committed a criminal offense and received a "pardon" from the state must prove that he or she is worthy of such trust and the decision to release him or her will not create a sense of impunity. It is possible to ensure the realization of this goal and significantly increase the effectiveness of the amnesty through the effective use of the institution of probation.It is established that the existing shortcomings of the amnesty mechanism, in some cases, lead to its unjustified non-application to persons subject to amnesty, and in others - release from serving the sentence of accused and convicted persons to whom the amnesty does not apply. The expediency of introducing the practice of release from serving a sentence on the basis of the law on amnesty only under certain conditions, for example, with the consent of the victim to such release is substantiated. It should also be an important condition for the suspect to express a wish to have an amnesty applied to him, to admit his guilt and to reimburse or undertake to reimburse the damages caused by him or to remedy the damage caused by the criminal offense before the trial.