arbitrary ruling

[/ˈɑːrbɪtrɛri ˈruːlɪŋ/]
nounpl: arbitrary rulings
decisão arbitrária
1. A judicial or administrative decision made without proper legal basis, reasoning, or adherence to established rules and procedures; a judgment based on personal whim rather than law
The judge's arbitrary ruling shocked the legal community because it contradicted established precedent.
A decisão arbitrária do juiz chocou a comunidade jurídica porque contradisse o precedente estabelecido.
2. A determination made by an authority figure that appears capricious or unfounded in fact or law
The board's arbitrary ruling to deny the permit without explanation angered local residents.
A decisão arbitrária da diretoria de negar a licença sem explicação enfureceu os moradores locais.
In both Brazilian and American legal contexts, 'arbitrary ruling' is viewed critically as a violation of the rule of law. In Brazil, where judicial discretion has historically been broader, the term carries particular weight in discussions of judicial reform and due process rights. The phrase is commonly used by legal professionals, journalists, and civil society advocates when challenging decisions perceived as unfair or lacking legal foundation.
NYC Slang
judicial BS or 'judge's whim'
Synonyms / Sinônimos
capricious decisionwhimsical judgmentunfounded rulingdespotic decreetyrannical decision
Antonyms / Antônimos
reasoned decisionjustified rulingfair judgmentlawful determinationprincipled decision

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
decisão arbitrária
Standard formal legal terminology
Rio de Janeiro
sentença arbitrária
Common in local court contexts
São Paulo
decisão caprichosa
Often used in business and administrative law discussions
Portugal
decisão arbitrária
Formal legal usage, identical to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

judicial discretiondue processprecedentjurisprudenceappellate review

Related Idioms & Phrases

rule with an iron fist
rule of law
judicial overreach
abuse of discretion
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