extrajudicial

American  

[ek-struh-joo-dish-uhl] / ˌɛk strə dʒuˈdɪʃ əl /

adjective

1. outside of judicial proceedings; beyond the action or authority of a court.

2. beyond, outside, or against the usual procedure of justice; legally unwarranted.

   an extrajudicial penalty.

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extrajudicial British  

/ ˌɛkstrədʒuːˈdɪʃəl /

adjective

1. outside the ordinary course of legal proceedings

   extrajudicial evidence

2. beyond the jurisdiction or authority of the court

   an extrajudicial opinion

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Other Word Forms

• extrajudicially
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of extrajudicial

First recorded in 1620–30; extra- + judicial

Explanation

Something that's extrajudicial isn't backed or upheld by the law. Taking revenge on someone instead of taking them to court is an extrajudicial punishment. If a prisoner is executed without an official trial in a court, it's extrajudicial, and if police officers shoot and kill a suspect instead of arresting him, that would also be extrajudicial. Both examples happen outside of the legal process, and without the checks and balances that the law provides. Extrajudicial comes from the Latin root words extra, "outside of," and iudicalis, "belonging to a court of justice."

Example Sentences

In Trump’s case, it’s known as an Order Restricting Extrajudicial Statements, with extrajudicial meaning outside of court.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2024

“I think Adama Barrow and his government realize they have no choice but to accept these recommendations,” said Nana-Jo Ndow, founder of the African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances.

From New York Times • May 25, 2022

Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings Agnes Callamard said she may visit the country to study the recent wave of violence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 22, 2016

Widows of those killed formed the Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families’ Association Manipur to help women try to get justice.

From New York Times • Jul. 19, 2014

For several Extrajudicial Attendance in the whole Cause 1.

From Privateering and Piracy in the Colonial Period Illustrative Documents by Jameson, J. Franklin (John Franklin)