Extrajudicial Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Extrajudicial, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Extrajudicial?

adj. Actions that occur outside the court system. For example: extralegal confession, which may be recognized by the judge during a trial if brought in as evidence.

History and Meaning of Extrajudicial

The term "extrajudicial" comes from the Latin words "extra", which means outside, and "judicium", which means judgment or trial. Extrajudicial actions refer to activities or decisions that occur outside of the court system. These may include actions taken by individuals, organizations, or government officials that affect legal rights or duties without the involvement of the judicial system.

Extrajudicial actions can have serious consequences, particularly when they involve abuses of power or violations of human rights. In some cases, extrajudicial actions may be illegal or unconstitutional, and individuals may have the right to seek legal redress for any harm that they have suffered.

Examples of extrajudicial actions may include police brutality, extrajudicial killings or assassinations, unlawful detention, and the use of secret tribunals or other non-judicial processes to determine guilt or punishment.

Examples of Extrajudicial

  1. The police were accused of carrying out extrajudicial killings during the crackdown on drug trafficking.
  2. Several detainees were subjected to torture and other forms of extrajudicial treatment while in custody.
  3. The government has been criticized for using extrajudicial methods to suppress free speech and dissent.
  4. An extrajudicial settlement was reached between the parties to avoid a lengthy court battle.
  5. The military has been accused of carrying out extrajudicial killings of suspected terrorists in conflict zones.

Legal Terms Similar to Extrajudicial

  1. Judicial - refers to decisions or actions carried out by the court system.
  2. Due process - the legal requirement that individuals be given notice and an opportunity to be heard before being deprived of life, liberty, or property.
  3. Law enforcement - the agencies and personnel responsible for enforcing the law, including police and other investigative agencies.
  4. Human rights - the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled, as recognized in international law and conventions.
  5. Civil liberties - the individual rights and freedoms that are protected from government infringement, such as the right to free speech, religion, and association.