Rule of Lenity

Definition

A principle of statutory interpretation holding that ambiguities in criminal statutes should be resolved in favor of the defendant. It is rooted in separation of powers and the presumption of liberty, requiring that Congress speak clearly before criminal punishment is imposed.

Examples

• •Petitioner's counsel expressed support for lenity as one basis for the presumption against cumulative punishment, though the government argued lenity analysis should not be applied here.

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