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recuse

verb re·cuse \ ri-ˈkyüz \
|Updated on: 18 Jul 2018

Definition of recuse

recused; recusing
transitive verb
: to disqualify (oneself) as judge in a particular case; broadly : to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest
—

recusal

play \ri-ˈkyü-zəl\ noun

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Recent Examples of recuse from the Web

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Did You Know?

Recuse is derived from the Anglo-French word recuser, which comes from Latin recusare, meaning "to refuse." English speakers began using "recuse" with the meaning "to refuse or reject" in the 14th century. By the 17th century, the term had acquired the meaning "to challenge or object to (a judge)." The current legal use of "recuse" as a term specifically meaning "to disqualify (oneself) as a judge" didn't come into frequent use until the mid-20th century. Broader applications soon followed from this sense - you can now recuse yourself from such things as debates and decisions as well as court cases.

Origin and Etymology of recuse

Middle English, to refuse, reject, from Anglo-French recuser, from Latin recusare

Other Legal Terms

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Law Dictionary

recuse

transitive verb re·cuse \ ri-ˈkyüz \

legal Definition of recuse

recused; recusing
1 : to challenge or object to (as a judge) as having prejudice or a conflict of interest
2 : to disqualify (as oneself or another judge or official) for a proceeding by a judicial act because of prejudice or conflict of interest
  • an order recusing the district attorney from any proceeding may be appealed by the district attorney or the Attorney General
  • —California Penal Code
—

recusement

noun

Origin and Etymology of recuse

Anglo-French recuser to refuse, from Middle French, from Latin recusare, from re- back + causari to give a reason, from causa cause, reason

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