term:

Recuse

recuse vt

re·cused
re·cus·ing
[Anglo-French recuser to refuse, from Middle French, from Latin recusare, from re- back + causari to give a reason, from causa cause, reason]
1 : to challenge or object to (as a judge) as having prejudice or a conflict of interest
2 : to disqualify (as oneself or another judge or official) for a proceeding by a judicial act because of prejudice or conflict of interest [an order recusing the district attorney from any proceeding may be appealed by the district attorney or the Attorney General "California Penal Code"]
re·cuse·ment n

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.