not as severe or strong in punishment or judgment as would be expected

They believe that judges are too lenient with terrorist suspects. 他们认为法官对恐怖嫌疑分子过于宽容。

In view of the quantity of drugs involved, 16 years was the most lenient sentence (= punishment) the judge could impose. 就涉及的毒品数量而言，16年徒刑已是法官所能作出的最轻判决了。