When does a judge have no discretion to perform an action?

• A. When a law prescribes a specific method.
• B. When a law is ambiguous.
• C. When the judge has personal beliefs.
• D. When there is a jury.

Answer: (A)

When the law tells the judge exactly how to act, there is no room for personal judgment—you must follow the statute's prescribed method. This leaves no discretion because the statute directs a specific course of action and leaves no alternative for the judge to choose.

Discretion appears when the law is unclear, ambiguous, or silent about certain details, requiring the judge to interpret or decide how to apply it. Personal beliefs do not override the obligation to apply the law as written, and the existence of a jury does not automatically remove all discretionary duties—there are still many rulings and procedures a judge must handle.