recuse

[ri-kyooz]

verb (used with object)

recused, recusing 

1. to reject or challenge (a judge, juror, or attorney) as disqualified to act in a particular case, especially because of potential conflict of interest or bias.

2. to disqualify or withdraw (oneself or another person) from any position of judging or decision-making so as to avoid the appearance of personal interest or bias.

   The senator has recused himself from the vote because of his prior association with the company.

verb (used without object)

recused, recusing 

1. to withdraw from any position of judging or decision-making so as to avoid a semblance of personal interest or bias.

recuse

/ rɪˈkjuːz, rəˈkjuːz /

verb

1. (tr; reflexive) to remove from participation in a court case due to potential prejudice or partiality

Other Word Forms

• recusal noun
• recusation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of recuse¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English recusen, from Middle French recuser, and from Latin recūsāre “to demur, object”; recusant

Word History and Origins

Origin of recuse¹

C19: see _recusant

Example Sentences

County Superior Court bench was recused — the original prosecutor was now an L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

The organisation which represents rank and file officers believes the five meetings could lead to "perceived bias" and has called for him to "recuse" himself.

From BBC

Acip members are required to disclose conflicts of interest, which are posted online, and to recuse themselves from voting on decisions where they may have a conflict.

From BBC

Redstone, who serves as Paramount’s chairwoman, recused herself from discussions about the settlement, the sources said.

From Los Angeles Times

Musk has previously stated in a joint interview with President Trump on Fox News, that he would “recuse myself if it is a conflict,” while the president said, “He won’t be involved.”

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does recuse mean?

Recuse most commonly means to withdraw from being in the position of judging a case or presiding over an investigation so as to avoid any partiality or bias.This sense of the word is used reflexively, meaning it’s always followed by a reflexive pronoun, as in recuse yourself, recuse himself, recuse themselves.Less commonly, recuse can mean to reject or challenge a judge or juror due to the belief that they are biased.In both senses, recusing is typically done to avoid a conflict of interest—a situation in which the person doing the voting, judging, or investigating has some personal connection to the case that could influence their decision.People who recuse themselves aren’t resigning—they’re officially excusing themselves from participating.Example: When I was called for jury duty, I knew the man who was on trial so I had to recuse myself.