0 agreed without involving a trial in a law court:
an out-of-court settlement
1 an out-of-court agreement or deal is made between people involved in a legal argument without a decision needing to made in a court of law:
a(n) out-of-court settlement/agreement/deal The case was never tried because Laker reached an out-of-court settlement with the other airlines.
2 if two people or companies reach an agreement out of court, they find a solution to a legal argument without using a court of law:
Moreover, divorce thus conceived is a far cry even from the out-of-court negotiations managed by lawyers and their understanding of their professional role and identity.
In 1986–87 £23 million was recovered in fines, back duty and out-of-court settlements, more than twice the 1982–83 total.
That will allow other out-of-court statements to be used where they are cogent and reliable.
In accordance with advice from leading counsel, an out-of-court settlement was reached with each of the parties involved.
In 1986, 342,513 evaders were prosecuted or agreed to pay a penalty in out-of-court settlements; and enforcement action induced a further 271,492 to relicense.
Discussions about achieving a just out-of-court settlement of this issue are proceeding.
Is he further aware of a recent out-of-court settlement involving a local authority and a claim against it for compensation from one of its employees?
Where offences are detected and the persons responsible traced, action is taken either through out-of-court settlement or, in the more serious cases, by prosecution.