Judicial Discretion
/ˈdʒuːdɪʃəl dɪˈskrɛʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) The authority granted to judges to make decisions based on their own judgment within the bounds of law.
The judge exercised judicial discretion in sentencing the defendant.
- (n.) The power to decide procedural matters or interpret ambiguous statutes in court cases.
Judicial discretion allows courts to manage case flow effectively.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Use 'judicial discretion' to denote the scope of decision-making latitude afforded to judges, typically balanced against statutory or constitutional limits.
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.