They wrote the Pentagon "is unwilling to let judges exercise independence if it means a ruling against the government."

Some judges, much to Ms. Snyder's dismay, have exercised the power to sentence in the way thought best, based on individual circumstances.

So are those who say the judge was merely exercising his constitutional right of free speech.

Statistics on how often judges have exercised their discretion since the weapons law was passed were not available last night.

It would seem that the Olympics, the most visible of international competitions, might be the last place a judge would exercise selfish tendencies.

Leigh says there would be no public interest in a prosecution - judges exercise discretion.

"They could argue the judge didn't exercise proper discretion," Mr. Test said.

The way in which the judges exercised their duty varied.

Further, if s 284 did apply, then the judge should have exercised his discretion to ratify the transaction, as the section permits.

The mayor of each town or district, and the judges in the country, exercise an authority almost patriarchal.