The phrase "a lesser punishment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a punishment that is not as severe as another punishment in a comparative context.
Example: "The judge decided to impose a lesser punishment on the defendant due to their cooperation with the investigation."
Alternatives: "a milder penalty" or "a reduced sentence."
Only then can judges decide on a lesser punishment.
It is possible that Gatlin could be offered a lesser punishment if he cooperates.
Her single partner, also a Sri Lankan migrant worker, was given a lesser punishment of 100 lashes.
If Mr Clinton's offences fall short of "high crimes and misdemeanours", they might draw a lesser punishment.
Defense lawyers have argued that Mr. Royster's mental illness contributed to the crimes, and they are seeking a lesser punishment.
His attorney, Anders Folk, argued that since the IDs weren't used criminally, Novak should receive a lesser punishment.
If you don't understand how Ray Rice was allowed to initially escape prosecution, accepting a much lesser punishment of therapy from the court, nothing illustrates the culture of protecting the abusers of women better than Republican Ben Carson's statement on behalf of Ray Rice.
A number of Los Angeles County Fire Department employees will face dismissal or lesser punishment as part of a crackdown on cheating in the agency's hiring process, fire Chief Daryl Osby said Wednesday.
A number of Los Angeles County Fire Department employees could lose their jobs or face lesser punishment as part of a crackdown on cheating in the agency's hiring process, Fire Chief Daryl Osby said Wednesday.
Some of the most important people he was talking to -- House Republicans -- show no signs of slowing their review of impeachment proceedings against him, and few seemed inclined to cut him any slack, much less a deal on censure or some lesser punishment.
But egos and professional reputations on both sides, circumstance and worldwide publicity make it unlikely that Mr. Strauss-Kahn's case will end quietly in a deal, with the suspect admitting to a lesser crime and the prosecution accepting lesser punishment.
