star chamber

Meanings

1. A legal or administrative body with strict, arbitrary rulings and secretive proceedings.

Etymology

From the Star Chamber (perhaps named for the gilt stars on its ceiling), an English court of law that sat at the royal Palace of Westminster from the late 15th century until 1641. The court was set up to ensure the fair enforcement of laws against prominent people, but over time it evolved into a political weapon; a symbol of the misuse and abuse of power by the English monarchy and courts.