The law does not define exactly, but trusts in the judgment of a good man.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Where the law leaves a matter to discretion, it trusts the judgment of a reasonable and upright man — judicial discretion means sound judgment, not arbitrary will.

Where this applies

• A judge uses her discretion to set bail at a reasonable amount rather than following a rigid formula, because the law trusts a good judge to weigh the circumstances.
• A court determines "reasonable compensation" for a contractor's work without a fixed statutory formula, relying on the judge's sound judgment of what is fair.
• A family court judge decides the best custody arrangement based on the totality of the circumstances, because the law trusts a wise judge to do justice where no precise rule exists.