special pleading

n.1. Law Responsive pleading from a defendant that does not deny the factual allegations of the other party but argues that the defense is entitled to prevail, as in the justification of a killing being prosecuted as murder.2. The presentation of an argument that mentions or emphasizes only favorable aspects of the question at issue.

special pleading

n 1. (Law) a pleading that alleges new facts that offset those put forward by the other side rather than directly admitting or denying those facts 2. (Law) a pleading that emphasizes the favourable aspects of a case while omitting the unfavourable

spe′cial plead′ing

n. 1. Law. pleading that avoids allegations against a client by alleging new or special matter. 2. arguing that ignores unfavorable features of a subject. [1675–85]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	special pleading - an argument that ignores all unfavorable evidencespecious argument - an argument that appears good at first view but is really fallacious
	2.	special pleading - (law) a pleading that alleges new facts in avoidance of the opposing allegationspleading - (law) a statement in legal and logical form stating something on behalf of a party to a legal proceedinglaw, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"

special pleading