Abuse of Discretion
/əˈbjuːs əv dɪsˈkrɛʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) A legal standard reviewing whether a decision-maker acted arbitrarily, irrationally, or beyond reasonable judgment in exercising discretion.
The appellate court reversed the lower court's ruling due to abuse of discretion in admitting evidence.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often a deferential standard in appellate review, abuse of discretion focuses on whether decisions were within a range of reasonable choices, not on the correctness of the decision itself.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.