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.
The better approach, he wrote, would be to apply the “rule of lenity,” under which ambiguous laws are construed to favor the defendant.
From New York Times
But he said he would rule for Wooden by applying the “rule of lenity.”
From Washington Post
The court cited the “rule of lenity,” saying that in the case of ambiguous wording or legislative intent that could not be determined, the defendant is entitled to the “benefit of any rational doubt.”
From Washington Times
Many experts in criminal law have disputed the notion that he was treated differently in any legally meaningful sense than countless other people under investigation who lack presidential ties and receive no special lenity.
From New York Times
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
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
