Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Law) A legal pleading that introduces new facts to counter or avoid the allegations made by the opposing side. It is a formal legal argument presented in court.
   • (General Use) A fallacious argument that ignores or dismisses all unfavorable evidence while focusing only on points that support one's own case. It is a form of biased reasoning where someone applies different standards or rules to their own position.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Legal Context):

  • The defense attorney filed a special pleading to introduce evidence of the defendant's state of mind.
  • The judge allowed the special pleading as it presented a new and relevant factual scenario.

• Noun (Logical Fallacy Context):

  • His excuse was just special pleading; he expects everyone else to follow the rules, but he doesn't have to.
  • The politician's argument was dismissed as special pleading because it failed to address the main criticisms.

Advanced Usage

• "to engage in special pleading": to argue using this fallacious method.
  • You can't just engage in special pleading every time the data contradicts your theory.
• The term is often used in debates, critiques, and analytical writing to point out a lack of logical consistency or intellectual honesty.

Variants and Related Words

• Plead (verb): To make an earnest appeal or a formal statement in a legal case.
• Pleading (noun): The formal presentation of claims and defenses by parties in a legal action.

Synonyms

• (For the fallacy): Double standard, biased argument, one-sided reasoning, inconsistency.
• (For the legal term): Responsive pleading, affirmative defense (in specific contexts).

Related Idioms & Phrases

• "Making an exception for oneself": This idiom captures the core idea of the fallacious use of "special pleading."
  • He's making an exception for himself, which is a classic case of special pleading.
• "Having it both ways": Similar to special pleading, this implies applying contradictory standards to suit one's argument.
  • You can't have it both ways; that's special pleading.

Noun

1. (law) a pleading that alleges new facts in avoidance of the opposing allegations
2. an argument that ignores all unfavorable evidence