honor system

noun

1. a system whereby the students at a school, the inmates in a prison, etc., are put on their honor to observe certain rules in order to minimize administrative supervision or to promote honesty.

Word History and Origins

Origin of honor system¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

One, the research oversight system is an honor system.

From Salon

Instead of fare gates, the light rail network here uses a modified honor system plus occasional spot-checks by transit workers.

From Seattle Times

“Largely, the food supply regulatory system is based on an honor system.”

From New York Times

If you see the unmanned craft beer bar where customers pay on the honor system, you’ve gone too far.

From New York Times

Golf is a sport with an honor system, whether marking a ball, filling out your scorecard accurately or figuring out how many swings you took to get out of a sand trap.

From Los Angeles Times