Being fair, exonerate (5)
I believe the answer is:
clear
This clue is a double definition.
'being fair' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'exonerate' is the second definition.
(synonyms)
(Other definitions for clear that I've seen before include "Free from blame" , "Make a profit - brighten up" , "Jump over without contact" , "Bright" , "Set free of charges" .)