out of court

phrase

: without going to court : without a lawsuit

They were able to settle/resolve the case out of court.

Legal Definition

out-of-court

adjective

1

: not made under oath or affirmation as part of a judicial proceeding (as a trial or deposition)

an out-of-court statement

2

: not made or done as part of a judicial proceeding

an out-of-court settlement