Color Of Law (Noun)
Meaning
A mere semblance of legal right; something done with the apparent authority of law but actually in contravention of law; "the plaintiff claimed that under color of law the officer had deprived him of his civil rights".
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The corrupt officials used the color of law to justify their bribery and extortion schemes, making it difficult to distinguish between their legitimate and illicit activities.
- The police officer's use of excessive force was done under the color of law, but it was later revealed that he had a history of misconduct and had consistently disregarded department protocols.
- The government agency's seizure of the property was done under the color of law, but it was later determined that they had misinterpreted the legislation and had acted unfairly.
- The lawyer argued that her client's arrest was made under the color of law, but the search and seizure were actually carried out without proper warrants or probable cause.
- The whistleblower claimed that the company was using the color of law to silence her, using lawyers and court orders to intimidate and harass her rather than addressing the legitimate concerns she had raised.