recuse

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The word "recuse" is a verb that means to remove oneself from participating in a decision or case because of a potential conflict of interest or bias. It is often used in legal contexts, especially when a judge or a jury member believes they cannot be fair due to personal reasons.

Usage Instructions

• Who can recuse? A judge, juror, or sometimes other officials.
• When to use it? When someone feels they might not be able to be impartial in a case.

Example

• "The judge decided to recuse himself from the case because he knew one of the parties involved."

Advanced Usage

In legal terms, recusal is important to ensure fairness and justice. It helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process. When someone recuses themselves, it is often a formal process that is recorded.

Word Variants

• Recusal (noun): The act of recusing oneself.
  • Example: "The recusal of the judge was necessary to maintain trust in the legal process."
• Recused (adjective): Describing someone who has recused themselves.
  • Example: "The recused judge will not participate in the trial."

Different Meanings

While "recuse" mainly has a legal connotation, it can also be used more generally to describe stepping back from any situation where one's presence could create a conflict of interest.

Synonyms

• Withdraw
• Disqualify
• Excuse oneself

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "recuse," but you might hear phrases like: - "Step back" – meaning to withdraw from involvement in something.

Summary

To recuse means to step back from a case or decision due to potential bias. It's an important concept in law to ensure fairness.

Academic

Verb

1. challenge or except to a judge as being incompetent or interested, in canon and civil law
2. disqualify oneself (as a judge) in a particular case