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Recusal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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recusal

[rɪˈkjuːzəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

The act of disqualifying oneself from participating in a particular decision or action due to a conflict of interest.

Synonyms

abstention, disqualification, withdrawal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
recusal

Used primarily in legal settings when a judge or official formally steps down from a case or decision due to potential bias or conflict of interest.

  • The judge's recusal was necessary due to his previous involvement with the case.
  • A recusal should occur if a lawyer has a family relation to the defendant.
disqualification

Commonly used in competitive contexts, such as sports or contests, when someone is deemed ineligible to participate due to rules violations or other reasons.

  • The athlete faced disqualification for using banned substances.
  • A late submission led to the disqualification of their entry in the contest.
abstention

This term is used when a person refrains from participating in a vote or decision, often in political or formal settings.

  • During the meeting, several members announced their abstention from the vote.
  • His abstention was noted in the official record.
withdrawal

Used in various contexts when someone decides to remove themselves from participation or involvement, either formally or informally.

  • Her withdrawal from the tournament was a significant blow to the team.
  • He announced his withdrawal from the project, citing personal reasons.

Examples of usage

  • The judge announced his recusal from the case due to his personal connection to one of the parties.
  • After consulting with the ethics committee, the lawyer decided on recusal to maintain impartiality.
  • The recusal of the board member ensured a fair and unbiased decision-making process.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'recusal'

The word 'recusal' originated from the Latin word 'recusare', meaning 'to refuse or reject'. In legal contexts, recusal has been a fundamental principle to ensure fairness and impartiality in decision-making processes. The concept of recusal dates back to ancient Roman law, where judges would excuse themselves from cases to avoid any potential bias. Over time, recusal has become a standard practice in legal systems worldwide to maintain the integrity of judicial proceedings.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,532 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.