request for leniency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "request for leniency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts when someone is asking for a more lenient treatment or consideration, often in relation to penalties or consequences. Example: "The defendant submitted a request for leniency, citing their clean record and personal circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

She denied a request for leniency and gave him the maximum sentence of five years.

Harvard University

Commissioner Roger Goodell turned down Jones's request for leniency Nov. 6.

The New York Times - Sports

The request for leniency appears to have fallen on deaf ears, according to Harris.

The Guardian - Money

Judge Czuleger sentenced him to 23 years in prison, declining a request for leniency because, he said, Ovando had shown no remorse for his crimes.

The New York Times - Magazine

One prosecutor, Rua M. Kelly, objected to Mr. Hsu's request for leniency on grounds that he was offering to try to help victims recover their losses.

The New York Times

The list, prepared by her lawyer as part of a request for leniency at sentencing, includes two former leaders of the Senate Democratic caucus, as well as candidates to become the borough presidents in Brooklyn and Queens.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He also routinely ignored requests for leniency made by prosecutors and probation officers.

The New York Times

He also routinely ignored requests for leniency, even when they were made by prosecutors and probation officers.

The New York Times

Martha Stewart's sentencing was delayed yesterday for an additional week after her lawyers said they wanted the judge to have enough time to consider their requests for leniency and a new trial.

The New York Times

But Mr. Janiszewski drew the judicial equivalent of a late-round knockout punch when, a week later, he was sentenced to 41 months in prison after a judge rejected defense and prosecution requests for leniency.

The New York Times

Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage, touring Asia to rally support for American policy in Iraq, has gone out of his way to assure Japanese officials that their persistent requests for leniency in the case of a former American serviceman are being heard in Washington.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a "request for leniency", provide specific reasons and evidence to support the request. Highlight mitigating circumstances, rehabilitation efforts, and any positive contributions the individual has made.

Common error

Don't assume a "request for leniency" will be automatically granted. Clearly articulate the reasons for the request and demonstrate genuine remorse or commitment to positive change. A well-supported argument significantly increases the chances of a favorable outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "request for leniency" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., submit, file, make) or as a subject complement. Ludwig shows it's often used in legal and formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "request for leniency" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to formally ask for reduced punishment or more lenient treatment. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity in formal contexts, such as legal proceedings and official correspondence. Its frequent appearance in News & Media and Academic sources highlights its neutral yet professional tone. Related phrases include "plea for leniency" and "appeal for clemency", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, it's important to provide supporting evidence and demonstrate genuine remorse to increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plea for leniency

Replaces "request" with "plea", emphasizing the urgency and emotional appeal of the request.

appeal for clemency

Uses "appeal" instead of "request", suggesting a more formal and structured approach.

petition for mercy

Substitutes "leniency" with "mercy", highlighting compassion as the desired outcome.

application for leniency

Replaces "request" with "application", framing it as a formal submission.

seek mitigation of sentence

Focuses on reducing the severity of the sentence, using more technical legal language.

ask for a lighter sentence

Emphasizes the desire for a less severe punishment in a more direct manner.

beg for mercy

Uses "beg" to intensify the plea, conveying desperation and humility.

solicit leniency

Replaces "request" with "solicit", giving it a more formal and persuasive tone.

entreat for forbearance

Employs "entreat" to emphasize the earnestness of the plea, and "forbearance" instead of leniency.

implore for leniency

Replaces "request" with "implore", emphasizing the emotional and urgent nature of the request.

FAQs

How does a "request for leniency" differ from an appeal?

A "request for leniency" is typically made before or during sentencing, asking for a more lenient punishment. An appeal, however, is a challenge to the conviction or sentence after it has been issued, often based on legal errors or insufficient evidence.

What factors might influence a judge's decision on a "request for leniency"?

A judge might consider the defendant's criminal history, the severity of the crime, expressions of remorse, acceptance of responsibility, cooperation with authorities, and evidence of rehabilitation. Letters of support from family, friends, or community members can also be influential.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "request for leniency"?

You can use alternatives like "plea for leniency", "appeal for clemency", or "petition for mercy" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to make a "request for leniency"?

It's appropriate to make a "request for leniency" when there are mitigating circumstances that justify a less severe punishment, such as a defendant's personal history, their acceptance of responsibility, or their willingness to make amends for their actions.