What does 'extralegal' mean?

Extralegal refers to actions, decisions, or forms of behavior that occur outside the boundaries of established legal systems or frameworks. It implies that the actions are not sanctioned or permitted by law, meaning they may happen without legal authority or in violation of legal statutes. This term captures the essence of activities that operate beyond official legal constraints.

In a legal context, extralegal actions can range from informal disputes settled without courts to activities that may be actively illegal. The focus is on the absence of legal legitimacy. Thus, understanding what extralegal means is essential for recognizing the implications of actions that are outside legal jurisdiction.