what does it mean when an attorney general recuse themselves

by Valentina Runolfsson 9 min read

To "recuse" means "to disqualify (oneself) as a judge in a particular case" — or, more generally, "to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest." What does a recusal mean for Sessions?

To recuse means “to withdraw from performing legal duties because of potential bias or a conflict of interest.” This can apply to judges, jurors, lawyers, and so on, but it's specific to the prejudice those individuals may exhibit.Nov 12, 2020

Full Answer

What does it mean to recuse a judge?

Mar 23, 2016 · It is worth noting that an Attorney General informal opinion might not be the last word in a matter. In one case, the Attorney General concluded in an informal opinion that a conflict of interest existed requiring the chairman of a town planning board to recuse himself from participation in any deliberations or votes concerning certain applications.

When must a prosecutor recuse himself?

To "recuse" means "to disqualify (oneself) as a judge in a particular case" — or, more generally, "to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest."

What does Jeff Sessions’s recusal mean?

Apr 24, 2011 · Posted on April 24, 2011 by Distant Observer. Perhaps you’ve never heard the word ‘recuse’ before. According to Merriam-Webster online dictionary, recuse means “to disqualify (oneself) as judge in a particular case; broadly : to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest.”. Generally, we hear of judges recusing themselves from trials in order to …

What was the Supreme Court case that addressed recusal?

The exchange raised the legal question: Under what circumstances must a prosecutor recuse himself from a matter? The concept of recusal, or stepping aside, as it relates to a prosecutor is governed by federal and state conflict-of-interest regulations and professional codes of ethics for lawyers, which vary by state.

What does it mean to recuse oneself?

The word is “recuse.” To recuse is to remove oneself as a participant for the purpose of avoiding a conflict of interest. You could use the word “excuse” instead, but it would not be as precise.

What does recusal mean in law?

Primary tabs. Recusal means the self-removal of a judge or prosecutor because of a conflict of interest.

Can lawyers recuse themselves?

Most judges and prosecutors will automatically recuse themselves if they feel there is a conflict of interest. If they do not, the defendant's criminal attorney can file a motion to have the either judge or prosecutor recused from the case and the prosecutor can file one to have the judge recused.Jun 14, 2019

What does notice of recusal mean?

n. the act of a judge or prosecutor being removed or voluntarily stepping aside from a legal case due to conflict of interest or other good reason. (

When should someone recuse themselves?

A recusal is appropriate when a conflict of interest exists between an employee's job duties and financial interests (including interests in future employment) or certain business or personal relationships or outside activities.

When should a judge recuse himself or herself from a case?

Judges recuse themselves when they take no part in deciding cases that they would otherwise help decide. The Due Process clauses of the United States Constitution require judges to recuse themselves from cases in two situations: Where the judge has a financial interest in the case's outcome.

Can I sue the judge?

“No Judge, Magistrate, ° ° ° Collector or other person acting judicially shall be liable to be sued in any Civil Court for any act done or ordered to be done by him in the discharge of his judicial duty, whether or not within the limits of his jurisdiction: Provided that he at the time, in good faith, believed himself ...Sep 21, 2020

What happens after a judge recuse himself?

(3)Effect of Recusal. Upon determining herself or himself to be recused, the judge shall not further participate in the proceeding unless her or his recusal is waived by the parties as provided in subdivision (c) below. (c) Waiver of Recusal by the Parties.

What does affidavit of prejudice mean?

The Code of Civil Procedure section 170.6 is used whenever an attorney intends to keep a judge from hearing any matter that involves a contested issue of fact or law. It is sometimes called an affidavit of prejudice, a preemptory challenge or a disqualification of a judge.Jun 25, 2014

Can I ask a judge to recuse himself?

If a conflict of interest exists, the judge may recuse herself on her own initiative. In addition, any party in a case may make a motion to require the judge to recuse herself from hearing the case.

What recuse means?

The verb recuse is used in legal situations and means to remove someone from a position of judicial authority, either a judge or a member of a jury, who is deemed unacceptable to judge, usually because of some bias. The Latin recusare, meaning "to refuse" is the place to start in the history of recuse.

What is an informal opinion?

Informal opinions by the Attorney General provide a wealth of guidance on recusal issues in a wide variety of situations, including those that present a potential conflict of interest arising from litigation. [xv]

What is conflict of interest?

Conflicts of interest can arise where competing goals make it difficult for government officials to make decisions that protect the common good. Where conflicts of interest exist, board members should disclose the conflicts and determine whether they can fairly make decisions on the issues before the board.

What is a recusal?

To "recuse" means "to disqualify (oneself) as a judge in a particular case" — or, more generally, "to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest."

What does a recusal mean for Sessions?

While Trump stood by Sessions on Thursday, Democrats and even some prominent Republicans — including House Government and Oversight Reform Committee Chair Jason Chaffetz and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy — were all calling for the same thing: recusal.

What does "recusal" mean in court?

To disqualify or remove oneself as a judge over a particular proceeding because of one's conflict of interest. Recusal, or the judge's act of disqualifying himself or herself from presiding over a proceeding, is based on the Maxim that judges are charged with a duty of impartiality in administering justice. When a judge is assigned ...

What does "refused to be a judge" mean?

v. to refuse to be a judge (or for a judge to be requested by one of the parties to step aside) in a lawsuit or appeal because of a conflict of interest or other good reason (acquaintanceship with one of the parties, for example).

Can a judge be disqualified from a case?

In some cases the parties to a proceeding may waive the judge's disqualification and allow the judge to preside over the case. The judge's disqualification is waived when both parties agree to the waiver or when one or more of the parties continues to participate in the proceed ings.