Usage Note
Ermessen is the latitude granted to authorities or courts to choose among several lawful options. Ermessensfehlgebrauch (misuse of discretion) and Ermessensunterschreitung (failure to exercise discretion) are grounds for legal challenge.
Examples
"Die Behörde hat bei der Erteilung der Erlaubnis kein Ermessen — sie muss genehmigen."
Natural Translation
The authority has no discretion in granting the permit — it must approve.
Literal Translation
The authority has in the granting of-the permit no discretion — it must approve.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
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