Montesquieu argues that severe punishments can lead to more harm than good, as they may provoke resentment and rebellion rather than deter crime. He believes that lenient punishments can be more effective, as they tend to promote a sense of justice and encourage individuals to reform. Ultimately, he advocates for a balanced approach that considers the context of the crime and the characteristics of the offender, aiming for a system that promotes order without resorting to excessive cruelty.
because no one cares
Because the courts were lenient with them. They usually let them get away with just a fine. The judges were rich men.
Juveniles tend to receive lighter and more lenient treatment than adults and are not housed in adult penal institutions.
The opposite could be strict (not lenient), or harsh (the reverse of lenient).
The antonym of lenient is strict.
The judge's decision was lenient, she was only given a fine.
Lenient: adj.: To go easy on someone or something. To be patient, kind and gentle.
How about convenient
stern
A lenient sentence gives some leeway to the defendant and is less harsh than wanted or expected.
Juvenile because juveniles aren't charged as badly as adults.
"The teacher was very lenient with our grades on the last test.""His father is very lenient when it comes to punishment"The judge was lenient when handing down a sentence of 5 years in jail to the prisoner for murder"He was very strict about his students being promptly on time, but given the snowstorm that had left the campus under two feet of snow, he was very lenient with the students who showed up ten or fifteen minutes late that day".The judge was lenient when handing down a sentence of 5 years in jail to the prisoner for murder