extrajudicial

adjective

ex·​tra·​ju·​di·​cial ˌek-strə-jü-ˈdi-shəl 

1

a

: not forming a valid part of regular legal proceedings

an extrajudicial investigation

b

: delivered without legal authority : private sense 2a(1)

the judge's extrajudicial statements

2

: done in contravention of due process of law

an extrajudicial execution

extrajudicially

ˌek-strə-jü-ˈdi-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of extrajudicial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rappler was one of only a few news outlets to report consistently on these extrajudicial killings. —Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2025

But along with this reputation came allegations that he was connected to extrajudicial killings by a well coordinated group of vigilantes. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025

Such extrajudicial restrictions are indeed the tactics of a dictator, the term President Trump used to describe the Ukrainian president. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025

At the hearing on Monday, the two sides are expected to argue about the extrajudicial conduct of Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman. —William Earl, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for extrajudicial

• semiofficial
• artificial
• beneficial
• cicatricial
• interstitial
• nonjudicial
• nonofficial
• prejudicial
• sacrificial
• superficial
• unofficial
• initial

Legal Definition

extrajudicial

adjective

ex·​tra·​ju·​di·​cial ˌek-strə-ju̇-ˈdi-shəl 

1

: not involving, occurring in, or forming part of a legal proceeding

a creditor's extrajudicial repossession of property

an extrajudicial investigation

especially : out-of-court

an extrajudicial identification

2

: stemming from something outside of a court proceeding

a judge disqualified for bias that is extrajudicial and not derived from the evidence presented

3

: occurring or arising outside of the course of judicial duties

a judge's extrajudicial conduct

extrajudicially adverb