lenity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dershowitz further suggested that the "rule of lenity," or the legal doctrine that ambiguities should be resolved in favor of defendants, also counseled towards acquitting the president.

From Fox News • Jan. 27, 2020

In light of this uncertainty, the rule of lenity requires an interpretation that lets S.K. off the hook.

From Slate • Aug. 29, 2019

They would also contravene the rule of lenity, which compels courts to interpret vague criminal laws in the defendant’s favor.

From Slate • Jun. 24, 2019

Lin invoked this principle when he raised the rule of lenity, which holds that an ambiguous criminal law should be interpreted in favor of the defendant.

From Slate • Apr. 25, 2017

Like many people, Chris apparently judged artists and close friends by their work, not their life, yet he was temperamentally incapable of extending such lenity to his father.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer