lenient decision

[ləˈniːənt dɪˈsɪʒən]
noun phrasefemininepl: lenient decisions / decisões lenientes
decisão leniente
1. A judicial or administrative ruling that is merciful, mild, or not severe in its application of rules or punishment
The judge made a lenient decision to reduce the sentence by half.
O juiz tomou uma decisão leniente para reduzir a sentença pela metade.
2. A determination that shows tolerance or flexibility regarding rules, regulations, or standards
The school's lenient decision allowed students to retake the exam.
A decisão leniente da escola permitiu que os alunos refizessem a prova.
In Brazilian legal and educational systems, lenient decisions are often viewed as expressions of humanidade (humanity) and are sometimes praised for recognizing extenuating circumstances. In American legal contexts, lenient decisions can be controversial and subject to appeal, reflecting different cultural attitudes toward justice and punishment severity.
NYC Slang
soft ruling / going easy on someone
Synonyms / Sinônimos
merciful decisionmild decisioncompassionate decisionpermissive decisionindulgent decision
Antonyms / Antônimos
strict decisionharsh decisionsevere decisionrigid decisionstringent decision

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
decisão leniente
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
decisão benevolente
Alternative, slightly more formal variant
São Paulo
decisão indulgente
Common in legal and corporate contexts
Portugal
decisão tolerante
Preferred in European Portuguese legal contexts

Related Words

clemencymercyleniencytolerancemitigationjudicial discretion

Related Idioms & Phrases

to cut someone some slack
to show mercy
to take it easy on someone
dar uma chance
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