lesser sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lesser sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or comparative contexts to refer to a sentence that is less severe or of lower importance than another. Example: "The judge decided to impose a lesser sentence due to the defendant's cooperation with authorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Wilson received a lesser sentence).

The New Yorker

Fabini received a lesser sentence.

The New York Times - Sports

Fabini played a lesser role and received a lesser sentence.

The New York Times - Sports

Defense lawyers are powerless to do much except argue for a lesser sentence.

The New York Times

Mr. Veliz's lawyer, Michael Keesee, also asked for a lesser sentence.

The New York Times

A lesser sentence of Jane Austen, I wish I had written.

The New York Times - Magazine

His final words to Judge St . Evewere to ask for a lesser sentence.

The New York Times

But by cooperating with the government in its case, he hopes to obtain a lesser sentence.

The New York Times

The judge issued the lesser sentence to Mr. Kruger, citing his "many good deeds".

The New York Times

But by helping the government gather evidence, he hopes to obtain a lesser sentence.

The New York Times

"We had been worried the court would award a lesser sentence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal documents, ensure that the request for a "lesser sentence" is supported by relevant case law and legal precedents.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "lesser sentence" is guaranteed, even with mitigating circumstances. The final decision rests with the judge or jury, and outcomes can vary widely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lesser sentence" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "lesser" modifies the noun "sentence". As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a judgment that is less severe than another possible or expected judgment. It's commonly used in legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lesser sentence" is a common and grammatically correct term, predominantly used within legal and news contexts to denote a less severe punishment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The frequency is very common, mainly in the news and media domains. When aiming for clarity in writing, consider factors influencing a judge's decision or the role of plea bargains. Alternatives such as "milder punishment" or "reduced penalty" can be employed depending on the intended nuance. It's important to not assume this type of sentence, even with mitigating circumstances, as the ultimate judgment rests with the legal authorities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

milder punishment

Focuses on the reduced severity of the punishment.

reduced penalty

Highlights the lowering of the imposed penalty.

mitigated sentence

Emphasizes the lessening of the sentence's impact or harshness.

lenient sentence

Indicates a more forgiving or merciful sentence.

more lenient sentence

Highlights that the sentence is comparatively forgiving.

lighter sentence

Uses a more informal term to describe a reduced sentence.

more lenient punishment

Specifies the character of being forgiving of the penalty.

reduced term

Refers to the shortened length of imprisonment.

alternative sentencing

Suggests a different form of punishment instead of imprisonment.

probation

Replaces incarceration with supervised release.

FAQs

What factors might influence a judge to impose a "lesser sentence"?

Judges may consider several factors, including the defendant's cooperation with the investigation, their prior criminal record (or lack thereof), expressions of remorse, and any mitigating circumstances presented by their legal counsel. For example, a defendant who cooperates with the government may hope to obtain a "lesser sentence".

How does a plea bargain relate to receiving a "lesser sentence"?

In many legal systems, a plea bargain involves a defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge or to a subset of the original charges in exchange for a "lesser sentence". This can avoid the risks and costs associated with a full trial.

What are some alternatives to saying "lesser sentence"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "milder punishment", "reduced penalty", or "lenient sentence". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "lesser sentence" and a "suspended sentence"?

Yes. A "lesser sentence" simply means a less severe punishment than the maximum possible. A suspended sentence, on the other hand, is a sentence that the offender does not have to serve unless they commit another crime. If a defendant is cooperative with authorities they may receive a "lesser sentence".