Abuse Of Discretion Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Abuse Of Discretion.

Abuse Of Discretion (noun): This is a legal term used when a court believes that a decision made by a lower court or judge is arbitrary or unreasonable. This could happen when a judge imposes an unnecessarily harsh sentence, demands an unrealistic fine, or unfairly stops a witness from testifying. An appellate court may reverse such decisions if they are considered a clear case of 'Abuse Of Discretion'.