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Ermessensspielraum

discretionary latitude; margin of administrative discretion

noun er-MES-sens-shpeel-rowm Rare
People & Society Law

Usage Note

Ermessensspielraum is the range of choices available to an authority when a legal norm does not prescribe a single outcome but allows for judgment. Courts review whether an authority has acted within its Ermessensspielraum and has not abused its discretion (Ermessensfehlgebrauch).

Examples

"Bei der Strafzumessung hat das Gericht einen erheblichen Ermessensspielraum."

Natural Translation

When determining the sentence the court has considerable discretionary latitude.

Literal Translation

In sentencing the court has a considerable discretion-space.

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