special pleading

English

Noun

special pleading (countable and uncountable, plural special pleadings)

1. Arguing that a particular case is an exception to a generally accepted rule, without justification and without a relevant basis.
   • 1997 September 30, The Court-Martial of Sandra Gilbert (JAG), season 3, episode 2:

     Lt. Gilbert deserves a full and fair hearing just like everyone else, no matter how the chips fall, no special pleading, and no playing the gender card.

Synonyms

• stacking the deck

Derived terms

• special pleader

See also

• double standard