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

First, a canon of statutory construction known as the rule of lenity should apply here.

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

If the rule of lenity applies here, then Butler should not be charged with a hate crime.

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