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
Learn More about abuse of discretion
Dictionary Entries near abuse of discretion
See More Nearby EntriesCite this Entry
“Abuse of discretion.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/abuse%20of%20discretion. Accessed 3 Mar. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Comments on abuse of discretion
What made you want to look up abuse of discretion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of perdure?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share abuse of discretion