recusal
/rɪˈkjuːzl/
Definition
The act of a judge voluntarily withdrawing from participating in a legal case to prevent a conflict of interest or the appearance of bias.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'recusare,' meaning to reject or object, which came into English via Old French. It evolved from the roots 're-' (back) and 'causa' (cause or legal case), literally meaning to make an objection against a legal action.
In the news
Conservative groups called for Justice Kagan's recusal from a climate-related case, arguing her involvement with a scientific manual creates a potential conflict of interest. The article uses the term to describe this standard of judicial ethics where a judge must step aside to maintain impartiality.
Kagan Brushes Off Call for Recusal Over Climate Science Guide
Read the full article ↗Bloomberg Law News