What is meant by judicial discretion?

Judicial discretion refers to the authority granted to judges to make decisions based on their own judgment and experience, within the framework of the law. This concept acknowledges that, while laws provide guidelines for legal proceedings, judges often face unique situations that require them to interpret the law in a way that best fits the circumstances of each case.

When judges exercise judicial discretion, they consider various factors, including the specific facts of the case, the intent of the law, and the principles of justice. This allows for a degree of flexibility in the judicial process, enabling judges to impose sentences, grant motions, or make other determinations that they believe are just and appropriate under the circumstances.

The other options represent different approaches to legal decision-making. Following strict guidelines set by statutes indicates a very rigid application of the law, which does not allow for personal judgment. Studying previous cases for guidance reflects the use of precedent, or stare decisis, which is another important aspect of the judicial system but does not capture the essence of judicial discretion itself. The limitation of a judge's power in the courtroom is contrary to the idea of judicial discretion, which emphasizes the judge's ability to make choices based on their own evaluations rather than being strictly bound by external constraints.