Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Occurring outside of or beyond the proper legal procedures or authority of a court: Describes actions, statements, or punishments that are carried out without the sanction, oversight, or due process of a formal judicial system.
   • Not legally authorized or warranted: Refers to something that lacks legal justification because it bypasses established judicial channels.

Usage

The adjective "extrajudicial" is used to modify nouns related to actions, processes, or statements. It typically carries a formal, legal, and often critical connotation, implying that the described action circumvented the proper legal system.

Examples

• The human rights report condemned the extrajudicial killings carried out by the militia.
• The suspect made an extrajudicial confession to the police, which was later deemed inadmissible in court.
• An extrajudicial settlement was reached between the two parties, avoiding a lengthy trial.

Advanced Usage

• Extrajudicial punishment: A penalty inflicted without a trial or legal conviction.
  • The regime was accused of using torture as a form of extrajudicial punishment.
• Extrajudicial statement: A declaration made outside of court proceedings, such as to law enforcement or the media.
  • The lawyer warned his client against making any extrajudicial statements to the press.

Variants and Related Words

• Extrajudicially (adverb): In an extrajudicial manner.
  • The dispute was resolved extrajudicially through arbitration.

Synonyms

• Non-judicial: Not involving the judiciary or court procedures.
• Extralegal: Outside the authority of the law; not regulated by law.
• Summary: Carried out without delay or formality, often implying a lack of proper legal process.

Antonyms

• Judicial: Pertaining to courts, judges, or the administration of justice.
• Legal: Based on or permitted by law.
• Official: Approved by or deriving from proper authority.

Adjective

1. beyond the usual course of legal proceedings; legally unwarranted
   • an extrajudicial penalty