colour of law
Noun: 1. A mere semblance of legal right; an action carried out with the apparent authority of law but which is actually in violation of the law. This term, often used in the phrase "under color of law," describes situations where a person, typically a government official or someone acting with state authority, misuses their power in a way that appears legal on the surface but is unlawful.
- Noun:
- The court found that the officer's actions were performed under color of law and were therefore a violation of the citizen's constitutional rights.
- The statute is designed to prosecute officials who deprive individuals of their rights under color of law.
- The plaintiff's lawsuit alleged that the seizure of property was done under the color of law but without any legitimate legal justification.
- "Under color of law": This is the standard prepositional phrase used with this noun. It functions as an adverbial phrase describing the manner or guise in which an unlawful act was committed by someone in authority.
- The department investigated claims that the agents were acting under color of law when they made the arrest.
- Color of law (noun): This is the standard American English spelling. The term "colour of law" is the British English spelling variant.
- Colorable (adjective): Having an appearance of right or validity; plausible. A "colorable claim" is one that appears legitimate on the surface.
- Pretense of law: A false show or claim of legal authority.
- Guise of law: The external appearance or disguise of legality.
- Simulacrum of law: A superficial or deceptive likeness of legal right.
This is a specific legal term of art, most commonly encountered in the context of U.S. federal law, particularly 18 U.S.C. § 242, which makes it a crime for anyone acting "under color of law" to willfully deprive a person of their constitutional rights. It is important to distinguish it from actions that are legally authorized. An action under "color of law" has the appearance of authority but lacks proper legal foundation.
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a mere semblance of legal right; something done with the apparent authority of law but actually in contravention of law
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the plaintiff claimed that under color of law the officer had deprived him of his civil rights
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