abuse of discretion

Legal Definition of abuse of discretion

: an error of judgment by a trial court in making a ruling that is clearly unreasonable, erroneous, or arbitrary and not justified by the facts or the law applicable in the case — compare clearly erroneous

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Dictionary Entries Near abuse of discretion

abuse

abuse of discretion

abuse of process

Cite this Entry

“Abuse of discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/abuse%20of%20discretion. Accessed 27 May. 2022.

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