special pleading

American  

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.

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special pleading British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of special pleading

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

The selection suggests that indigenous art has evolved sufficiently since the 1970s to transcend special pleading.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

But even the most cynical court-watcher must admit that there is zero chance five justices will accept WILL’s special pleading here.

From Slate • Oct. 19, 2022

Barnes captures the language of adoration with exquisite poise, the devoted student’s endless cycle of qualifications and special pleading.

From Washington Post • Aug. 9, 2022

There’s the aspect in these petitions of special pleading — Khan appears to be un-capturable, which is why her targets have the knives out.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2021

But this last alternative seems to me to be special pleading: I am, reluctantly, a self-confessed carbon chauvinist.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan