Recuser

A recuser is an individual or entity that formally refuses to participate in a legal proceeding or decision-making process, typically due to a conflict of interest or bias. This term is often applied in legal contexts where a judge, juror, or other decision-maker is challenged to withdraw from a case.

Recuser meaning with examples

• When the attorney discovered that the judge had a personal relationship with one of the parties, he filed a motion to recuser the judge, arguing that it would be impossible for the judge to remain impartial in the case.
• The juror was forced to recuser herself after it came to light that she had previously worked with the defendant, raising concerns about her ability to be unbiased during deliberations.
• In instances of perceived corruption, it is common for parties involved to request the recuser of the presiding judge, believing that a fresh perspective is necessary for a fair trial.
• The law firm had to recuser one of its partners from the negotiation process when it was revealed that the partner had invested in a competing company, leading to potential conflicts of interest.
• During the trial, the defendant's legal team sought to recuser a member of the jury after identifying that the juror had posted negative comments about the defendant on social media, fearing these could influence the jury's decision.