What does recuse mean?
Recuse is a formal verb meaning to disqualify oneself from taking part in a legal proceeding, hearing, investigation, committee, or similar process. A person recuses themselves when personal involvement, a possible conflict of interest, or circumstances that might reasonably raise doubts about impartiality make continued participation inappropriate. The usual expression is “recuse oneself,” as in a judge who recuses herself from a case after discovering a prior connection to one of the parties. In American legal usage, the word is common in reports and judgments, and it also applies more broadly to committees, boards, and other decision-making bodies. Although it can sound severe, recusal is often a routine safeguard intended to preserve the fairness and credibility of a proceeding.
verbTo disqualify oneself from participation in a legal proceeding or other decision-making process, usually because of a possible conflict of interest or personal bias.
- To disqualify oneself from participation in a legal proceeding, investigation, hearing, or other decision-making process because of a conflict of interest, possible bias, or personal involvement.
"The judge recused herself from the case after learning that she had represented one of the parties in an earlier matter."
"The appellate court asked the official to recuse herself because she had previously advised one of the parties."
"He recused himself from the committee after it became clear that his company was bidding for the contract."
When a judge recuses themselves, the point is not that the evidence has vanished but that impartiality must be restored.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recuse come from?
The word comes from Latin recusare, meaning “to refuse” or “to reject,” with a sense of declining to accept or allowing someone to act. English began using recuse in legal contexts in the 17th century for a person withdrawing from a proceeding because of personal involvement or presumed bias. It is related to accuse and excuse, which also derive from Latin forms involving recusare and causare.
Related word forms
How recuse is actually used
This is primarily a formal legal and institutional verb. It is commonly used in the construction “recuse oneself,” though the direct form “recuse” is also standard when the object is understood. The word is especially common in American legal reporting, while British usage also uses it in legal and administrative contexts.
Easily confused with recuse
Refuse means to decline or reject something, whereas recuse means to disqualify oneself from a proceeding or decision-making role.