Definition

Noun: 1. The established legal system of a nation or state: This phrase refers to the entire body of laws that are currently in force and recognized as binding within a country's jurisdiction. 2. Fundamental principles of justice and due process: It signifies the core legal principles that govern a society, often embodied in a supreme document like a constitution, which all other laws must conform to.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The court's ruling reinforced that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land.
  • All citizens and government officials are bound by the law of the land.
  • The new statute, once properly enacted, becomes part of the law of the land.

Advanced Usage

• "Supreme law of the land": A specific constitutional doctrine declaring that a constitution (and laws made pursuant to it) takes precedence over all other state and local laws.
  • The Supremacy Clause establishes the U.S. Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Variants and Related Words

• Constitutional law (n): The body of law derived from a constitution and dealing with fundamental governmental powers and rights.
• Common law (n): The part of English law derived from custom and judicial precedent rather than statutes.
• Statutory law (n): Law that is enacted by a legislative body.

Synonyms

• The constitution
• The rule of law
• Established law
• Governing law

Related Phrases

• Due process of law: The fair and proper legal procedures required by the law of the land before a person can be punished or deprived of life, liberty, or property.
  • The amendment guarantees due process of law for all citizens.

Related Idioms

• A land of law and order: A society where the law of the land is respected and enforced.
  • The leader promised to restore the country to a land of law and order.

Noun

1. a phrase used in the Magna Carta to refer to the then established law of the kingdom (as distinct from Roman or civil law); today it refers to fundamental principles of justice commensurate with due process
   • the United States Constitution declares itself to be `the supreme law of the land'