A person who has no previous criminal record commits a minor crime - HSC - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 8 - 2016 - Paper 1

In this scenario, the judge's decision not to record a conviction despite finding the individual guilty indicates the use of judicial discretion. Judicial discretion allows judges to make decisions based on the unique circumstances of a case, including considerations like the defendant's lack of previous criminal history. Thus, in this instance, the correct answer is (C) Judicial discretion.