appeal for leniency

USAGE SUMMARY

'appeal for leniency' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in many contexts to express a request for mercy, understanding, and kindness. For example: "The defendant's lawyer made an appeal for leniency, asking the judge to consider her young age and lack of criminal history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Though Mr. Torricelli in the end voted against the nomination, many of his colleagues interpreted his actions as an appeal for leniency from the Bush administration.

The New York Times

He turned decisively against his old friend Bashar al-Assad when the latter rejected Erdoğan's appeal for leniency towards the Syrians who began protesting against the dictator in the spring of 2011.

The Guardian

Mehlman's appeal for leniency on the charge that he is a cynical hypocrite who ran (and got rich from) anti-gay campaigns is based, in large part, on his current support for same-sex marriage.

The New Yorker

B1 Behind Rowland's Plea Lawyers involved in the case of John G. Rowland, the former Connecticut governor, say that last month's plea agreement shrewdly positioned him to appeal for leniency at his sentencing on March 11 and halted a criminal investigation.

The New York Times

At his trial last December Keach told a judge he had been addicted to cocaine since January of last year, using the drug "as a means of trying to alleviate exhaustion". The judge turned down his appeal for leniency and sentenced Keach to nine months in prison.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But Aslam's unexpectedly florid writing, as in the following passages, often makes reading this novel painful: "The grandson of a watchsmith, he appeals for leniency from the god who decrees the point of no return.

The New York Times - Books

At his sentencing yesterday in Onondaga County Court in Syracuse, Mr. Jamelske wept as he appealed for leniency, saying, "I'm sorry for what I did and how it affected everyone," according to The Associated Press.

The New York Times

Other international musicians including Sting and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have appealed for leniency.

BBC

In letters to the court, members of Jackson's family appealed for leniency, with his father saying: "Jesse Jr is an example as a teacher and counsellor who will be better served under supervision and probation". Jackson resigned from the House of Representatives last November, months after his diagnosis with bipolar disorder.

BBC

Maxim Gorky and others appealed for leniency, but by the time Lenin agreed to several pardons, the condemned had been shot.

Wikipedia

Despite his desperate appeals for leniency, Cohen was sentenced to three years in December after pleading guilty to multiple counts of financial fraud and one count of lying to Congress.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making an "appeal for leniency", clearly articulate the reasons why leniency is warranted, providing specific examples or mitigating circumstances.

Common error

Avoid assuming that an "appeal for leniency" implies a complete dismissal of charges. Leniency seeks reduced punishment, not necessarily exoneration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appeal for leniency" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., make, submit) or as the subject of a sentence describing a request. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appeal for leniency" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily employed to request reduced punishment or more compassionate treatment, predominantly within formal contexts such as legal proceedings or news reporting. While not exceedingly common, its meaning is clear and its usage is well-established. Related phrases, such as "plea for mercy" or "request for clemency", offer similar nuances. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial. Avoid confusing leniency with complete acquittal. Ludwig's examples and analysis provide valuable insights into the phrase's function and appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plea for mercy

Changes the phrasing from 'leniency' to 'mercy', emphasizing compassion.

request for clemency

Replaces "leniency" with "clemency", suggesting a more formal and official request.

supplication for leniency

Substitutes "appeal" with "supplication", indicating a humble and earnest request.

petition for leniency

Uses "petition" instead of "appeal", implying a formal written request.

plea for a lenient sentence

Specifies that the leniency is related to sentencing.

appeal for a reduced sentence

Focuses on reducing the severity of the sentence as the desired outcome.

plea for mitigation

Uses "mitigation", highlighting the reduction of severity or seriousness.

request for understanding

Shifts the focus from punishment to seeking comprehension and empathy.

cry for compassion

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of needing empathy.

submission for grace

Replaces "appeal" with "submission" indicating humbleness and "leniency" with "grace" indicating divine mercy.

FAQs

How do I use "appeal for leniency" in a sentence?

You can use "appeal for leniency" to describe a formal request for reduced punishment or understanding. For example, "The lawyer made an "appeal for leniency" based on the defendant's good behavior."

What's a formal synonym for "appeal for leniency"?

A more formal synonym could be "request for clemency", which is often used in legal contexts.

Is there a difference between "appeal for leniency" and "appeal for tolerance"?

"Appeal for leniency" specifically relates to seeking reduced punishment, while "appeal for tolerance" is a broader request for understanding and acceptance of differing views or behaviors.

When is it appropriate to make an "appeal for leniency"?

It is appropriate to make an "appeal for leniency" when there are mitigating circumstances, such as a first-time offense, genuine remorse, or significant contributions to the community.