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Glite Dictionary
extrajudicial

extrajudicial

5 8.8
Happens outside the legal system without court approval
  • adjective
  • /ˌɛkstrəˈdʒudɪʃəl/
  • Formal
translation icon : extrajudicial
  • There was an increase in the number of disappearances and extrajudicial killings of those thought to be sympathetic to the Kurdish cause.
  • extrajudicial killings
  • extrajudicial executions
  • extrajudicial torture

And, and Alan would and so, and sometimes they would go extrajudicial, right?

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Examples

  • I can help you, but no more extrajudicial killings.

    Black Adam (2022)

  • Human rights groups documented scores of extrajudicial killings by elements of Colombian security forces acting independently.

    Blog text (26)

  • I wonder if the American people would be able to stomach the extrajudicial killing of a white person.

    Blog text (11)

  • I am truly amazed that anyone supports extrajudicial killings, especially of American citizens.

    Blog text (21)

  • By law, allegations of custodial deaths and extrajudicial killings must be investigated by police or magisterial inquiries.

    Academic text (2009)

  • The report highlighted concerns over potential extrajudicial actions that bypass legal frameworks.

  • Human rights activists protested against extrajudicial detentions that violate due process.

  • The government announced new measures to address extrajudicial killings and ensure accountability.

Synonyms

extralegal
vsextrajudicial
  • Formal
1 8.4

Not regulated or approved by law

refers specifically to acts outside court procedures and lacking court sanction
nonjudicial
vsextrajudicial
  • Specialized
1 6.9

Not done in a court or by a judge

implies actions happen outside formal legal proceedings and lack court approval

Antonyms

legal
∞ 2.5

Relating to the law, lawyers, or what the law allows

judicial
  • Formal
193 6.1

Relating to courts and judges who deal with the law

Surface Forms

extrajudicial positive

Morphology

extrajudicial = judicial (transparent) = extra + judicial

The meaning is directly formed by the prefix 'extra-' (outside/beyond) attaching to 'judicial', so learners who know 'judicial' can infer 'outside the courts'.

Etymology

The word extrajudicial comes from extra- meaning 'outside' and judicial from judge. So, an extrajudicial action happens 'outside' the court or legal authority, which is why it is not done or allowed by law.