selective application
[/sɪˈlɛktɪv æplɪˈkeɪʃən/]
nounpl: selective applications
aplicação seletiva
1. The practice of applying rules, laws, or policies inconsistently, choosing to enforce or implement them only in certain cases or for certain groups
The selective application of traffic laws means that some drivers are stopped more often than others.
A aplicação seletiva das leis de trânsito significa que alguns motoristas são abordados mais frequentemente do que outros.
2. In legal or administrative contexts, the deliberate choice to apply standards or regulations to some situations but not others
Critics argue there is selective application of environmental regulations favoring large corporations.
Críticos argumentam que há aplicação seletiva das regulamentações ambientais favorecendo grandes corporações.
3. The use or deployment of something in a limited, targeted manner rather than universally
The selective application of resources allowed the company to focus on high-priority projects.
A aplicação seletiva de recursos permitiu que a empresa se concentrasse em projetos de alta prioridade.
This term is frequently used in discussions about social justice, law enforcement, and corporate accountability in both Brazilian and American contexts. In Brazil, it often appears in debates about corruption and unequal treatment based on social class or connections (jeito brasileiro). In the USA, it's commonly used in discussions about racial disparities in policing and criminal justice.
NYC Slang
playing favorites with the rules
Related Idioms & Phrases
pick and choose enforcement
applying the law selectively
double standard enforcement
unequal treatment under law
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