discretion Hear it!

discretion definition - legal

n

The freedom of choice and of action of a judge, prosecutor, or other public official, within the defined scope of his or her responsibilities. For example, in a criminal matter a judge may have wide discretion to release the defendant on recognizance or to demand bail in any amount, based on the judgeÂ’s view of the defendant as a flight risk.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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