severe sentence

[/sɪˈvɪr ˈsentəns/]
nounpl: severe sentences
sentença severa
1. A judicial punishment that is harsh, strict, or unusually long in duration, typically imposed for serious crimes
The judge imposed a severe sentence of 20 years in prison for the convicted felon.
O juiz impôs uma sentença severa de 20 anos de prisão para o condenado.
2. A court ruling that is considered excessively harsh or disproportionate to the offense committed
Legal advocates argued the severe sentence was unjust and appealed the decision.
Defensores legais argumentaram que a sentença severa era injusta e apelaram a decisão.
In Brazil, severe sentences are often a subject of public debate, particularly regarding violence crimes and drug trafficking. The Brazilian justice system has gained attention internationally for both lengthy sentences and disparities in sentencing. In the USA, severe sentences are frequently discussed in contexts of criminal justice reform and mass incarceration.
NYC Slang
heavy bid
Synonyms / Sinônimos
harsh sentencestrict sentencetough sentencelengthy sentenceheavy sentence
Antonyms / Antônimos
lenient sentencelight sentencemild sentencesuspended sentence

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sentença severa
Standard legal terminology used in courts and media
São Paulo
sentença rigorosa
Alternative term also used in legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
sentença pesada
Colloquial variation meaning 'heavy sentence'
Portugal
sentença severa
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, formal legal term

Related Words

punishmentconvictionjudicial rulingprison termsentencing guidelinesappeal

Related Idioms & Phrases

get hit with a severe sentence
face a severe sentence
hand down a severe sentence
appeal a severe sentence
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