special pleading

noun

1. Law. pleading that alleges special or new matter in avoidance of the allegations made by the opposite side.
2. pleading or arguing that ignores unfavorable features of a case.

special pleading

noun

1. a pleading that alleges new facts that offset those put forward by the other side rather than directly admitting or denying those facts
2. a pleading that emphasizes the favourable aspects of a case while omitting the unfavourable

Word History and Origins

Origin of special pleading¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

But after Pearl Harbor there was no longer a case for special pleading.

From The Daily Beast

Indeed, the data cited by Walters himself undermine his special pleading.

From The Daily Beast

Anyone who dares object to one of these indictments is obliged to do so in terms of their own special pleading.

From The Daily Beast

That sort of special pleading is unlikely to win friends and influence people on Capitol Hill.

From The Daily Beast

As crystal clear as that proposition is in America and Israel, it is decried and damned as special pleading the world over.

From The Daily Beast

I'm human, and I dare say I did do a bit of special pleading.

From Project Gutenberg

The year 1852 was memorable for the Act which altered the old system of special pleading.

From Project Gutenberg

There is here some confusion of thought and some obvious, but possibly unconscious, special pleading.

From Project Gutenberg

A commission has been issued, preparatory to a reform of the system of special pleading.

From Project Gutenberg

The fact has priority over the dogmas, and is altogether too strong to need the patronizing special-pleading they suggest.

From Project Gutenberg