Crossword Genius

Judicial support had a Liberal ... (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

legal

'judicial' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'support had a liberal' is the wordplay.
'support' becomes 'leg' (leg is a kind of support).
'had' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'liberal' becomes 'l' (abbreviation).
'leg'+'a'+'l'='LEGAL'

(Other definitions for legal that I've seen before include "Conforming with the law" , "Rightful" , "within the rules" , "Observing acts" , "Authorised" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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