Lenient
Lenient is an adjective describing a person or policy that is permissive, merciful, or not strictly enforced. It conveys tolerance toward faults or offenses and a readiness to assign smaller penalties or lighter discipline than might be expected. In contrast to strict or severe approaches, leniency emphasizes rehabilitation, flexibility, or compassion. As a noun, leniency refers to the quality or degree of being lenient, or to a lenient disposition or policy.
In law, lenient sentencing or leniency programs allow for reduced punishment, probation, or alternative sanctions based
The term derives from Latin lenis, meaning soft, and is related to leniency or merciful actions, such
The use of leniency is often debated, balancing compassion with the need to deter wrongdoing, maintain standards,