LENIENCE

Set to 3 different clues across 3 published puzzles, most often “Defendant's hope, at sentencing” — The New York Times, Wednesday, 17 September 2008.

8 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

Defendant's hope, at sentencingonce
The New York Times — Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Sentencing judge's prerogativeonce
The New York Times — Saturday, 9 December 2006
Prisoner's desireonce
The New York Times — Saturday, 15 December 2001