Final answer:
The concept describing bias in the criminal justice system against giving women harsh punishments is the Female leniency hypothesis. It is part of the broader discussion on equity and fairness in the criminal justice system, which also includes the Justice equity principle, among other theories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept that contends there is a bias in the criminal justice system against giving women harsh punishments is expressed by the Female leniency hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that women may receive more lenient treatment in the criminal justice system compared to men. This contrasts with the Gender bias theory, which is broader and not specific to leniency in punishment, and Feminist criminology, which focuses on the broader application of feminist thought to criminology rather than on sentencing bias specifically. The Justice equity principle is concerned with equal treatment and fairness in the application of laws, which can encompass a variety of considerations beyond gender biases in sentencing.
When discussing the Female leniency hypothesis, it is important to recognize the complexity of the criminal justice system and the multiple factors influencing outcomes, including but not limited to gender. The hypothesis is one aspect of a wider debate on equity and justice within the system. This debate also includes considerations of whether justice always equates to fairness and understands the importance of social context and individual circumstances in the administration of justice.