special issue
noun
Definition of special issue
1 : an issue denying or traversing one or more material points of law or fact but not the whole declaration, complaint, or indictment — compare general issue
2 : an issue raised by pleadings that may be determinative of the entire case (such as a plea of release or of infancy)
From the M-W Editors
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up special issue? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!