blue law
Definition
Noun: A blue law is a statute or regulation, typically of a religious origin, that restricts or prohibits certain activities, especially business operations, on Sundays. These laws historically aimed to enforce religious observance of the Sabbath.
Usage
The term is used to describe laws that enforce moral or religious standards, particularly those limiting commercial activities on a day of rest. It is often used in historical, legal, and sociological contexts.
Examples
- Many states in the U.S. once had blue laws that required stores to be closed on Sunday.
- The repeal of the blue law allowed the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
- Some counties still enforce blue laws prohibiting car sales on the weekend.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used more broadly to refer to any law perceived as excessively regulating morality or personal behavior, though its primary association is with Sunday restrictions.
- Critics argued the ordinance was little more than a blue law dictating personal morality.
Variants and Related Words
- Sunday closing law: A more specific synonym for a blue law that mandates business closures on Sundays.
- Sabbath law: A term with a similar meaning, emphasizing religious observance.
Synonyms
- Sabbath law
- Sunday closing law
- Restrictive statute
Antonyms
- Deregulation
- Free trade law
Related Phrases & Idioms
- A relic of blue laws: Used to describe a current rule or practice that originates from these old restrictive statutes.
- The ban on selling certain items before noon on Sunday is a relic of blue laws.
Noun
-
a statute regulating work on Sundays
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