special plea

noun

, Law.

1. a plea that alleges special or new matter as an answer to the allegations made by the opposite side and not as a denial of them.

Word History and Origins

Origin of special plea¹

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

That trial ended with Peterson’s conviction for murder, but a judge later ordered a new trial, and Peterson entered a special plea in 2017 acknowledging prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him of manslaughter.

From Seattle Times

It's a special plea for a form of moral reckoning, one that worship of the marketplace has made impossible.

From Salon

"The special plea is dismissed," Judge Piet Koen said.

From Reuters

"I make a special plea to women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding. There is no impediment to you getting your vaccine," he said.

From BBC

And he made a special plea for the government to make good on its promise to invest in the north of England.

From BBC