Rule of Lenity
/ˈruːl əv ˈlɛnɪti/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal principle that ambiguous criminal statutes should be interpreted in the light most favorable to the defendant.
The court applied the rule of lenity to resolve ambiguity in the criminal statute.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The rule of lenity applies only in criminal cases when statutory language is genuinely ambiguous, ensuring fairness to defendants.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.