Pronunciation: [ɹɪkjˈuːsd] (IPA) 
The word "recused" is spelled with a "c" before the "u," which can be confusing for some English speakers. The phonetic transcription for "recused" is /rəˈkjuːzd/ which breaks down to: r-uh-k-y-oo-z-d. The "c" is pronounced as a "k" sound, while the "u" has a long "y" sound, and the "s" is pronounced as a "z." "Recused" means to formally remove oneself from a legal case because of a conflict of interest or bias.
The term "recused" is a verb commonly used in legal contexts, referring to the act of a judge or magistrate voluntarily removing themselves from a legal case due to a conflict of interest or perceived bias. When a judge recuses themselves, they declare their inability to impartially preside over a certain matter because of personal relationships, financial interests, prior involvement, or any other circumstances that might affect their impartiality. By recusing themselves, judges aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and maintain public trust in the judicial system.
The concept of recusal is rooted in the fundamental principle of justice that all parties involved should receive an unbiased hearing. It emphasizes that legal matters should be handled with objectivity and neutrality. Recusal prevents any perceived or actual bias from influencing the outcome of a case and guarantees that all parties are given a fair opportunity to present their arguments and evidence to an impartial adjudicator.
Recusal often occurs in high-profile cases, but it is also a standard practice in routine legal proceedings to ensure fairness and adherence to legal ethics. In situations where recusal is necessary, another judge or magistrate without any conflicts of interest will typically be assigned to preside over the case. This carries the objective of upholding the integrity of the legal system and protecting the rights of those involved.
The word "recuse" originated from medieval Latin "recusare", which is derived from Latin "recusare" meaning "to refuse" or "to reject". This Latin term stems from the combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "back" or "again" and "causa" meaning "cause" or "reason". The term "recuse" entered the English language in the early 17th century, primarily used in legal contexts, to describe the act of a judge or juror abstaining from participating in a legal proceeding due to a conflict of interest or bias.
