Recuse Meaning and Definition
Recuse
Pronunciation
/riːˈkjuːz/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To remove oneself as a judge or to disqualify oneself from participation in a case, due to a conflict of interest, bias, or personal connection.
Examples
1. “The judge decided to recuse himself from the case due to his personal relationship with the defendant.”
2. “The senator was forced to recuse herself from the committee due to a conflict of interest with her business partner.”
Synonyms
1. Disqualify
2. Abstain
3. Withdraw
Antonyms
1. Participate
2. Engage
Additional Information
The decision to recuse oneself is typically made to maintain fairness, impartiality, and the integrity of a process or system. In the United States, for example, judges and politicians are subject to recusal laws and regulations to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain public trust.
The concept of recusal is not limited to the judiciary and government; it can also be applied to various professional fields, such as academia, medicine, and finance. For instance, a researcher may need to recuse themselves from a study if they have a personal connection to the subject matter or stand to gain financially from the results.
In many cases, recusal can be a voluntary act, where an individual recognizes their own bias or conflict of interest and chooses to remove themselves from the situation. However, it can also be enforced by laws, regulations, or organizational policies to ensure fairness and accountability.
Etymology
The word “recuse” comes from the Latin “recusare,” which means “to refuse or reject.” It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of removing oneself from a case or situation due to a conflict of interest or bias.
Usage Notes
The verb “recuse” is typically used in formal or official contexts, such as in law, government, or professional settings. In casual conversation, the term “conflict of interest” is often used instead.
Cultural References
The term “recuse” has been used in various films and TV shows to highlight the importance of fairness and impartiality in decision-making. For example, in the TV series “Law & Order,” judges are often required to recuse themselves from cases due to conflicts of interest.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Recuse oneself from a decision” – to remove oneself from the decision-making process due to a conflict of interest.
Collocations
1. “Recuse oneself from a case”
2. “Recuse a judge from a trial”
Frequency of Use
The word “recuse” is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is widely used in formal or official contexts, such as in law, government, or professional settings.
Common Misspellings
1. “Recuse” is often misspelled as “recuss” or “recussed.”