Discretionary Act
/ˌdɪskrɛʃəˈnɛri ækt/
Definitions
- (n.) An action taken by a public official or agency based on judgment and choice rather than being mandated by law.
The mayor’s decision to allocate funds to the community center was a discretionary act.
Forms
- discretionary acts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Discretionary acts require judgment and are contrasted with mandatory acts; clarity in drafting should distinguish the scope of discretion granted.
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.