Why does the judge go easy on Cates in sentencing him in the story of inherit the wind?

In the story "Inherit the Wind," the judge shows leniency towards Cates in sentencing him because he sympathizes with Cates' beliefs and the idea of intellectual freedom. The judge recognizes the importance of free speech and wants to send a message about the value of open discourse in society. Additionally, the judge may also feel that the case has garnered enough attention and that a harsh sentence would only add to the controversy surrounding it.