Special pleading

/spˈɛʃəl plˈiːdɪŋ/

[noun]

Special pleading

[NOUN]

(law) a pleading that alleges new facts in avoidance of the opposing allegations

an unfair attempt to persuade someone by only giving them facts that are in line with one's point of view

Examples

1. If God began to exist then God would need to have a cause, otherwise that would be special pleading.

2. The attorney general is dismissed and the president then has a co- a one on one conversation with a special pleading with the FBI director.

3. That value, which is so important for enriching our lives, why shouldn't it be included in economic reasoning in a natural way, as opposed to constantly have to do special pleading, protest marches and so forth?