Rule of Lenity

The rule of lenity is intimately related to the in dubio pro reo principle. The rule applies when the court is faced with two possible interpretations of a penal statute, one that is prejudicial to the accused and another that is favorable to him. The rule calls for the adoption of an interpretation which is more lenient to the accused.[1]

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[1] Ient & Schulze v. Tullett Prebon Inc., GR No. 189158, January 11, 2017