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LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

arbitrary

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A quick definition of arbitrary:

Arbitrary: When someone makes a decision based on their own feelings instead of following the rules, it is called arbitrary. For example, if a judge finds someone guilty of a crime just because they have a beard, that would be an arbitrary decision. Sometimes, judges are allowed to use their own judgment, but they still have to follow the rules and look at the facts of the case. In a democracy, we don't want people to make decisions just because they feel like it, but sometimes the law allows people to use their own judgment.

A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Arbitrary means based on individual discretion rather than a fair application of the law.

For example, if a judge finds someone guilty of a crime simply because they have a beard, that decision would be considered arbitrary. However, it's important to note that a discretionary decision is not always arbitrary. Sometimes, the law gives judges discretionary powers, but they still have to act within certain boundaries when applying general principles of law to a particular case. If a judge acts in disregard of the evidence or ignores established precedent, that would be considered arbitrary.

Historically, arbitrary has also been used to describe the actions of the executive and legislative branches. In a democracy, arbitrariness cannot be allowed, but discretion is sometimes allowed by law.

Example: A judge sentences a person to jail for 10 years for stealing a candy bar. This decision would be considered arbitrary because it's not a fair application of the law. The punishment doesn't fit the crime.

Example: A police officer pulls over a driver for speeding and gives them a warning instead of a ticket. This decision is discretionary, but it's not arbitrary because the officer is still following the law and using their discretion within the boundaries of the law.

arbiter | arbitration

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2016 pushed the conservative party into populism irreversibly
Dkk
19:43
Maybe, but if this is populism, then every election is populist.
19:43
@Dkk: yeah register 1 website and every swinging tom dick and harry calls/emails/texts to 'help with seo'. like bruh, if YOU found it, what i am doing is working
Dkk
19:43
Indeed!
19:48
wasp, i think people are hopeful for a gov who at least attempts to care about the common man
MIAMI A
[] AromaticTroubledDormouse
20:55
How does one know if they are UR1 or UR2?
[] AromaticTroubledDormouse
20:56
CONGRATS MACAQUE!
TY
got a random stanford email and almost had a heart attack
ALSO CONGRATS!
Congrats1!
21:15
Miami A, yall I'm so excited I could cry.
21:15
Feel like I can finally stop holding my breath!! Whew!!!
[] baddestbunny
22:16
every time I get accosted by a strange man who follows me around because my male coworkers were too busy talking to walk me back to my car I get closer to saying we need to bring back traditional gender roles
Dkk
22:32
Nice! @Macaque
Dkk
22:32
@Aromatic, Have to guess.
Dkk
22:33
That sucks @Bunny do you have to go to the hospital?
[] baddestbunny
22:40
I said accosted not assaulted
23:35
guys. my notre dame address just went long is this good or bad
1a2b3c4d26z
23:37
Oooooo me too
23:37
omg is this good or bad
Dkk
23:47
Idk if gender roles are gunna fix that then.
23:49
it looks like most people who applied in october last cycle didn't get a decision until january... does it even mean anything that our addresses went long??
hows ED 2 compared to ED 1?
Dkk
0:10
No idea
windyMagician
0:34
reporting live to say my ndls address also went long
does it mean anything ^
Dkk
2:21
NDLS and Fordham took a very long time last year. It's good info for people to know.
[] baddestbunny
4:29
let’s get after it boys and girls
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