recused

Recused is the past tense form of recuse, a verb meaning to withdraw from participation in a decision or proceeding because of a potential conflict of interest, bias, or appearance of impropriety. A person who recuses themselves is said to have recused themselves.

Recusal is most common in legal contexts, where judges, prosecutors, and magistrates may recuse to preserve impartiality. Reasons include a close relationship with a party, financial interests, prior involvement in the matter, or other factors that could reasonably call into question their ability to be fair. The concept also applies in administrative and quasi-judicial bodies, such as regulatory agencies, and in legislative or corporate settings when conflicts arise.

Procedures for recusal typically involve disclosure of the conflict and a subjective decision by the individual to step aside from participation. Some systems require a formal ruling or motion by another official and, in some cases, the appointment of a substitute or alternate decision-maker. The aim is to ensure proceedings remain fair and to maintain public trust, including the appearance of impartiality to observers.

Consequences of recusal can include delays, changes in outcome, or appeals if a party contends that impartiality was compromised. Recusal does not imply guilt or wrongdoing; rather, it serves as a safeguard against bias in decision-making. Etymologically, recuse derives from Latin recusare, meaning to refuse or reject, and has been used in English legal and ethical contexts for centuries.