Leniency means showing forgiveness or being more relaxed in punishment or rules. It's when someone is understanding and gives someone else a break instead of being really strict or harsh. Full definition
Many of the people who wrote the court asking for leniency for Huntley received money from her in the past. (politico.com)
Racial disparities in arrests have continued despite de Blasio's stated desire to eliminate them and the Brooklyn and Manhattan district attorneys» promises of leniency for low - level marijuana charges. (patch.com)
But a judge nevertheless rejected his attorneys» request for leniency in the form of no prison time, saying he had been a «dirty lawyer for many, many years.» (nystateofpolitics.com)