Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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noun
A flexible, discretionary approach to legal decision making that prioritizes fairness in specific circumstances over strict adherence to legal precedents or rights.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: derogatory, uncountable
Topics: law
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
According to the Chambers Dictionary (Edinburgh: Chambers Harrap, 1998) the phrase is “from the old Arabic or Jewish idea of a wise man dispensing justice under a palm tree.” Namely: And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. (Judges 4:5)
