star-chamber
adjective
star-cham·ber ˈstär-ˈchām-bər 
: characterized by secrecy and often being irresponsibly arbitrary and oppressive
Word History
Etymology
Star Chamber, a court existing in England from the 15th century until 1641
First Known Use
1779, in the meaning defined above
Legal Definition
star chamber
noun
1
capitalized S&C : an old English court abolished in 1641 that exercised wide civil and criminal jurisdiction under rules of procedure suited to the prerogatives of the king and that was marked by secrecy, the absence of juries, self-incrimination, and an inquisitorial as opposed to accusatorial system of justice
2
: a tribunal or proceeding resembling the Star Chamber especially in being secretive or arbitrary