declined the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "declined the case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or professional contexts when someone decides not to take on a particular case or matter. Example: "After careful consideration, the attorney declined the case due to a conflict of interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Sands declined the case.

The New Yorker

In November, the Court declined the case.

The New Yorker

The two judges who declined the case today were David Bogard, appointed by Mr. Clinton in 1980, and John Plegge, appointed in 1985.

The New York Times

They filed a report with the Charlottesville Police Department, which declined the case, and took their "evidence" to the Commonwealth Attorney's office, which also declined.

Vice

After the U.S. Supreme Court declined the case, VICE News attempted to contact Huguenin's lawyers at the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian advocacy and litigation firm, but did not receive a response.

Vice

Diefenbaker declined the case, stating that Parliament had first call on his time, that his wife Edna was seriously ill with leukemia, and that he was not admitted as a lawyer in British Columbia.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Most of the time they would just decline the case right then and there".

Vice

The prosecutor declined, but the case is on appeal.

The New York Times

The Justice Department declined to discuss the case.

The New York Times

The hospital declined to discuss the case.

The New York Times - Health

The Supreme Court declined to hear the case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "declined the case" when you want to clearly and professionally state that someone has refused to take on a legal or formal matter. Ensure the context makes it clear who declined and what specific case is being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "declined the case" when a more specific term like "recused himself from the case" is more appropriate, especially when a judge or lawyer steps aside due to a conflict of interest. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific reason for refusal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "declined the case" functions as a verb phrase indicating a decision not to accept or proceed with a specific case. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, as showcased in the examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "declined the case" is a grammatically correct and professionally appropriate way to indicate that someone has refused to take on a legal or formal matter. According to Ludwig AI, it is used most frequently in news and media contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "rejected the case" or "refused the case", choosing the best option depends on the specific context. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about who declined and what specific case is being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rejected the case

Uses a synonym for "declined", maintaining a similar level of formality.

refused the case

Another synonym for "declined", indicating a more direct refusal.

turned down the case

A more informal way of saying "declined the case".

did not take the case

A straightforward way to express that someone chose not to accept the case.

passed on the case

An idiomatic expression implying a conscious decision not to pursue the matter.

would not represent the case

Focuses specifically on legal representation being refused.

recused himself from the case

Specifically indicates a judge or lawyer stepping aside due to a conflict of interest.

opted out of the case

Implies a voluntary choice not to participate or take on the responsibility.

demurred from the case

A formal term suggesting reluctance or objection to handling the case.

withdrew from the case

Indicates a prior involvement that was subsequently terminated.

FAQs

What does "declined the case" mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, "declined the case" means that a lawyer, law firm, or court has refused to take on a particular legal matter. This could be due to various reasons, such as a conflict of interest, lack of resources, or the case not fitting within their area of expertise.

What are some alternatives to saying "declined the case"?

Alternatives to "declined the case" include "rejected the case", "refused the case", or "passed on the case". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "declined the case" in formal writing?

Yes, "declined the case" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a professional and clear way to communicate that someone has refused to take on a particular case or matter.

When might a lawyer "decline the case"?

A lawyer might "decline the case" due to a conflict of interest, lack of expertise in the relevant area of law, an unmanageable workload, or a belief that the case lacks merit.