Warning

Info

Warning

Info

Warning

Info

LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

judicial discretion

Read a random definition: legal custody

A quick definition of judicial discretion:

When a judge makes a decision, they can use their own judgment to decide what is fair and right based on the law. This is called judicial discretion. It's like when a teacher gives you a choice between two punishments for breaking a rule. The judge can use their discretion to make a decision that fits the situation instead of just following the rules exactly. But the judge can't just make any decision they want, it has to be fair and make sense. If they make a bad decision, it can be appealed and changed.

A more thorough explanation:

Judicial discretion is the power given to judges to make decisions based on their own evaluation of a case, guided by the principles of law. This power is granted by the legislature and allows judges to make decisions that are fair and just, taking into account the unique circumstances of each case.

For example, in Ohio, Rule 59 of the rules of civil procedure allows courts to grant a new trial based on their "sound discretion." This means that the judge can decide whether or not to grant a new trial based on their own evaluation of the case, rather than following a strict set of rules.

In criminal law, certain penal code provisions, such as California's penal code 17(c), give judges the discretion to choose between different punishments for certain crimes. This means that the judge can decide what punishment is appropriate based on the specific circumstances of the case.

However, judges must use their discretion responsibly and make decisions that are sound and not arbitrary. If a judge abuses their discretion, their decision can be appealed. An abuse of discretion occurs when a judge makes a decision that is outside the bounds of reason or that results in a manifest miscarriage of justice.

For example, if a judge has the discretion to issue a misdemeanor or felony sentence and chooses the former solely out of disapproval for the punishment that would follow the latter, they have abused their discretion by making their decision using the wrong considerations.

Overall, judicial discretion is an important power that allows judges to make decisions that are fair and just, taking into account the unique circumstances of each case.

judicial administration | judicial ethics

Warning

Info

General

General chat about the legal profession.
main_chatroom
👍 Chat vibe: 0 👎
Help us make LSD better!
Tell us what's important to you
18:41
I think I just wouldn’t reach out and if they ask for them then say that
Dkk
18:41
@tgm Yeah sounds good, say that if they ask
18:47
hey yall
18:47
im premed idk why im here
18:48
we’re like cool and sexy and fun I get it
18:48
true i love ur user
18:49
thank you my little crow friend
Dkk
18:50
Med law easy done
medicine is a scam
join the ethically ambiguous legal field instead
Dkk
18:57
I want to meet an attorney that defends clients who run into flat earth problems. I want an attorney that knows and believes in flat earth theory.
19:05
i want a flat earther for president. i want a guy who posts on 4chan for president. i want someone who mogs for president.
Dkk
19:18
Exactly. My version of that awful poem.
Dkk
19:19
I can accept a president with maybe one or two of the poems traits hut good God, all of them??? No ty.
windyMagician
19:20
president who respects sex is crazy
windyMagician
19:20
we had bill clinton already
Dkk
19:21
Bill Clinton, first and last black president
windyMagician
19:23
I want to go running but my leg feels weird
windyMagician
19:23
it doesn't hurt its just tingly
Dkk
19:26
It needs more alcohol. You tingle when your nerves need watering.
19:27
try stretching it maybe to see what's up
windyMagician
19:27
stretches make me think it's just soreness
windyMagician
19:27
I'm sober lol
Dkk
19:38
Anyone else get the google notification that your LSD password has been compromised lol. LSD got hacked.
20:48
what.jpg @Dkk
CynicalOops
21:03
You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?
jackfrost11770
21:10
nope dk
CynicalOops
22:37
Calvinamala Harris
LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.