plea for leniency

USAGE SUMMARY

"plea for leniency" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to refer to a request for more lenient or understanding treatment than usual. For example, "The defendant's lawyer made a plea for leniency, hoping for a reduced sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It was a plea for leniency.

The New Yorker

Judge Kimba M. Wood of United States District Court in Manhattan rejected Mr. Pomponio's plea for leniency, a lawyer said.

The New York Times

Mr. Martinez's friends and family packed the courtroom, at some points sobbing as he made a final plea for leniency.

The New York Times

In a closing plea for leniency, Mr. Hernández described the trial held in South Florida as "eminently political".

The New York Times

In his plea for leniency, Mr. Ramrattan insisted that he was innocent, saying that he had spent years helping the police solve cases as an informant.

The New York Times

To support the plea for leniency, the memo contained several letters from community leaders and educators that attested to Arenas's goodwill.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Despite the archbishop's pleas for leniency, Farina and his accomplices were tortured and executed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the months dragged into years, Mr. Hawkins's pleas for leniency were offset by his erratic behavior.

The New York Times

In sentencing one of Mr. Goffer's co-defendants, Jason Goldfarb, to three years in prison, Judge Sullivan rejected pleas for leniency, pointing out that his conduct "wasn't an impulsive decision.

The New York Times

An Afghan tribal leader convicted in an international narcotics trafficking conspiracy was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday by a judge in New York who rejected pleas for leniency based on the man's cooperation with the American authorities.

The New York Times

Former Royal Bank of Scotland employees will have their company pension payments slashed when they get to state retirement age - and Sir Fred Goodwin, the bank's richest pensioner, personally rejected union pleas for leniency over the so-called "clawback" provisions.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a legal document, it's better to use "plea for leniency" in a formal context to ask a judge for a more lenient sentence for the defendant.

Common error

Avoid using "plea for leniency" when expressing strong entitlement or demanding specific outcomes. It should be a sincere request, not an expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plea for leniency" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a formal request or appeal made to an authority, typically a judge, for more lenient treatment or reduced punishment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plea for leniency" is a commonly used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, that refers to a formal request for more lenient treatment, typically in a legal setting. The phrase is grammatically correct and primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving the purpose of persuading a decision-maker to grant a more favorable outcome. It's generally neutral in register, although more frequent in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "application for leniency" and "appeal for clemency". When using the phrase, ensure it is a sincere request rather than a demand. Overall, it is well-understood and correctly applied in a wide array of sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

application for leniency

Emphasizes the formal submission of a request.

petition for leniency

Highlights a formal or written request.

case for leniency

Focuses on presenting reasons why leniency is justified.

argument for leniency

Focuses on constructing a logical justification for leniency.

appeal for clemency

Highlights a formal request for reduced punishment from an authority.

plea for forbearance

Highlights a request to withhold or delay punishment.

plea for flexibility

Implies a request for more adaptable or accommodating rules.

plea for tolerance

Suggests a request for acceptance and understanding.

plea for forgiveness

Emphasizes seeking absolution or pardon.

supplication for mercy

Implies a humble and earnest request for compassion.

FAQs

How is "plea for leniency" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, a "plea for leniency" is typically presented by the defendant's lawyer during sentencing, aiming to persuade the judge to impose a lighter sentence. It often includes mitigating circumstances, expressions of remorse, and arguments for rehabilitation.

What are some effective strategies for making a "plea for leniency"?

Effective strategies involve demonstrating genuine remorse, highlighting positive contributions to society, presenting evidence of personal hardship, and proposing a plan for rehabilitation. Testimonials from family, friends, or community members can also strengthen the plea.

What are some alternatives to "plea for leniency"?

You can use alternatives like "application for leniency", "case for leniency", or "appeal for clemency" depending on the context.

What factors might influence the success of a "plea for leniency"?

Several factors can influence the success of a "plea for leniency", including the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, the judge's personal views, and the overall public sentiment towards the case. A well-prepared and sincere presentation is crucial.