Judicial discretion refers to the power and flexibility that judges have to make decisions based on their interpretation of the law and the specific circumstances of a case. This means that judges can consider various factors, such as the severity of a crime or the background of a defendant, when determining appropriate sentences or rulings. While judicial discretion allows for personalized justice, it can also lead to inconsistencies in how laws are applied. Different judges may reach different conclusions in similar cases, which can raise concerns about fairness and equality in the legal system.