requests for leniency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "requests for leniency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is asking for a reduction in severity or punishment, often in legal or disciplinary situations. Example: "The defendant submitted several requests for leniency, citing their clean record and personal circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

Judge Jeremy Fogel of Federal District Court imposed the sentence here on Friday after considering a request for leniency on the grounds that Mr. Gordon had been mentally ill at the time of his crime.

The New York Times

One possible strategy by Mr. Muse's lawyers would be to seek a deal in which he could plead guilty to a lesser charge that would reduce his potential sentence; or to have any cooperation be factored into a request for leniency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formal documents, especially legal briefs or appeals, use "requests for leniency" to denote a formal appeal for reduced punishment. Ensure that the request is supported by strong evidence and persuasive arguments.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "requests for leniency" guarantee a reduced sentence or favorable outcome. Leniency is discretionary and depends on various factors, including the severity of the offense, the defendant's record, and the judge's judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "requests for leniency" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., submitting, considering, denying). This suggests that it represents a tangible action or appeal within a legal or formal context. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "requests for leniency" refers to a formal appeal for reduced punishment or more compassionate treatment, particularly in legal or disciplinary contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While the phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, alternatives such as "pleas for clemency" or "appeals for mercy" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. When using this phrase, it's crucial to remember that leniency is discretionary and not guaranteed, depending heavily on the specific circumstances and the authority's judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pleas for clemency

Emphasizes the act of begging for mercy or forgiveness, suggesting a strong emotional appeal.

appeals for mercy

Highlights the act of asking for compassion and understanding, potentially involving emotional arguments.

petitions for leniency

Focuses on a formal, written request for reduced punishment or special consideration.

applications for clemency

Highlights a formal submission to mitigate a punishment.

demands for leniency

Highlights the act of claiming leniency in sentencing or treatment.

supplications for leniency

Emphasizes a humble and earnest request for mercy or reduced punishment.

entreaties for leniency

Focuses on a sincere and heartfelt plea for reduced punishment or favorable treatment.

calls for compassion

Focuses on encouraging empathy and understanding in a specific situation, potentially leading to leniency.

gestures of leniency

Focuses on actions that demonstrate kindness and a willingness to forgive or show mercy.

leniency pleas

Highlights a formal statement to mitigate a punishment.

FAQs

How to use "requests for leniency" in a sentence?

You can use "requests for leniency" when describing someone formally asking for a reduced sentence or a more compassionate approach. For example: "The defense attorney submitted several "requests for leniency" based on the defendant's personal circumstances".

What can I say instead of "requests for leniency"?

You can use alternatives like "pleas for clemency", "appeals for mercy", or "petitions for leniency" depending on the specific context and the level of formality.

What is the difference between "requests for leniency" and "demands for leniency"?

"Requests for leniency" implies a polite and respectful appeal, while "demands for leniency" suggests a more assertive or even entitled approach. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

When is it appropriate to make "requests for leniency"?

It is appropriate to make "requests for leniency" during sentencing hearings, parole hearings, or any other legal proceeding where the severity of a punishment or consequence is being determined. It's often based on mitigating factors or expressions of remorse.