subjective discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

"subjective discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to personal judgment or the use of one’s own opinion or feelings in making decisions. For example, "The police chief used her subjective discretion when deciding which cases to prioritize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It leaves everything to the subjective discretion of the law enforcement authorities".

The New York Times

"It leaves everything to the subjective discretion of the law enforcement authorities," he said.

The New York Times

"Should central management under the law have withdrawn some of the subjective discretion in order to stop these results?" Justice Breyer asked.

The New York Times

He said the city could establish criteria for allocating public money, but that such "subjective discretion" must be based on the "grant's artistic merit and not on political or ideological grounds".

The New York Times

It is in that sense a subjective discretion".

Wikipedia

Prior to 1988, the Singapore case of Lee Mau Seng v. Minister for Home Affairs (1971) was authority for the application of the subjective discretion test for judicial review of executive power exercised under the ISA.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Finally, the notion of a subjective or unfettered discretion was contrary to the rule of law and all powers had legal limits.

Wikipedia

The Court said that "the notion of a subjective or unfettered discretion is contrary to the rule of law" because "all power has legal limits", and therefore the exercise of discretionary power warrants examination by the court.

Wikipedia

And that will happen in a situation which is -- where the process is ultimately subjective, completely up to the discretion of the official, and there's no requirement of any uniformity.

The New York Times

The "class-of-one theory of equal protection" was "simply a poor fit in the public employment context," Chief Justice Roberts said, explaining that the government needed "broad discretion" to make "subjective and individualized" decisions concerning its work force.

The New York Times

However, there are certain defects of the traditional evaluation method, which can easily generate problems including evaluation grading discretion, unreasonable results and subjective information factor missing (Fu 2006).

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subjective discretion", clarify whose judgment is being exercised to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the judge's subjective discretion" or "the manager's subjective discretion."

Common error

Avoid situations where decisions are based solely on "subjective discretion" without any objective criteria. This can lead to perceptions of bias or unfairness. Establishing some guidelines helps mitigate this risk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subjective discretion" functions as a noun phrase, describing the power or right to decide or act according to one's own judgment. It's used to indicate that a decision is based on personal interpretation rather than objective standards, as seen in Ludwig examples where it relates to law enforcement or ministerial powers.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Subjective discretion refers to the ability to make judgments based on personal opinions and feelings, rather than solely on objective facts. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its presence in scientific literature demonstrates its versatility. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context and source of the judgment are clear to avoid any ambiguity. The use of objective criteria could minimize the risks of bias or unfairness. The phrase has a neutral to professional register, which depends on its context. Alternatives like "personal judgment" or "discretionary judgment" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discretionary judgment

Highlights the aspect of freedom and choice in the decision-making process.

personal judgement

Focuses on the individual's perspective in making a decision.

individual assessment

Emphasizes the role of a single person's evaluation.

personal opinion

Highlights the influence of one's beliefs on the outcome.

biased decision

Emphasizes the potential for partiality or favoritism in the decision.

arbitrary choice

Suggests a decision made without any apparent reason or system.

intuitive decision-making

Highlights the role of gut feelings or intuition in the decision.

case-by-case evaluation

Focuses on the situational factors impacting the decision.

contextual assessment

Emphasizes the consideration of the surrounding circumstances in decision-making.

normative judgment

Focuses on the alignment with certain standards or expectations when making a decision.

FAQs

How can I use "subjective discretion" in a sentence?

You might say, "The officer exercised "subjective discretion" when deciding whether to issue a warning or a ticket."

What is an alternative to the phrase "subjective discretion"?

Alternatives include "personal judgment", "individual assessment", or "discretionary judgment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "subjective discretion" imply about the decision-making process?

It implies that the decision is based more on personal feelings, opinions, and interpretations rather than objective facts or rules. It suggests a degree of freedom and flexibility in the decision-making process.

Is it always appropriate to use "subjective discretion"?

No, it's not always appropriate. In situations requiring impartiality and objectivity, relying solely on "subjective discretion" can be problematic. It's crucial to balance it with objective criteria and guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency.