sole discretion
Definition
Sole discretion means one party gets to make a decision completely on their own, without needing to justify it or get approval from anyone else. When a contract says someone has 'sole discretion,' that person or company can say yes or no for any reason they want, or even no reason at all.
Example
Your landlord's lease says they have sole discretion to approve or deny subletting, which means they can turn down your request to sublet your space without explaining why.
Watch Out
Before signing any contract, flag every place where the other party gets sole discretion, because you are essentially giving up your right to challenge their decisions even if those decisions hurt your business.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.