A judge can be recused by objections of either party or they can disqualify themselves

• The disqualification of a judge or jury by reason of prejudice or conflict of interest

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. (law) the disqualification of a judge or jury by reason of prejudice or conflict of interest; a judge can be recused by objections of either party or judges can disqualify themselves [syn: recusal ] (law) an objection grounded on the judge's relationship ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context obsolete English) refusal 2 (context legal English) The act of disqualifying a judge or jury in a specific case on the grounds of possible partiality or prejudice.

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Recusation \Rec`u*sa"tion\ (r?k`?*z?"sh?n), n. [L. recusatio: cf. F. r['e]cusation.] Refusal. [Obs.] (Old Law) The act of refusing a judge or challenging that he shall not try the cause, on account of his supposed partiality. --Blackstone.