word
Proportionality Principle
proh-por-shun-AL-ih-tee PRIN-sih-pul
/prəˌpɔːrʃəˈnælɪtiː ˈprɪnsɪpəl/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
proportionalityprinciple
Dictionary meaning
The legal and ethical principle that the severity of a punishment must be commensurate with the seriousness of the offence; a cornerstone of just sentencing and a safeguard against cruel or disproportionate punishment
Examples
- The proportionality principle forbids giving a life sentence for petty theft; the punishment must fit the crime.
- Human rights law invokes the proportionality principle to strike down mandatory minimum sentences that exceed what is necessary and just.
Synonyms: principle of proportionality, lex talionis (historically), commensurate sentencing
Pronunciation tips
Nine syllables; stress the fourth: -AL-; do not say proh-POR-shun-ah-lih-tee
Learn one new pronunciation a day
Get a word, name or idiom like “Proportionality Principle” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.
Something wrong? Suggest a correction