a process of law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a process of law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to refer to the procedures and rules that govern the administration of justice. Example: "The defendant was granted the right to a fair trial, ensuring that all actions were conducted in accordance with a process of law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A process of law.

The New Yorker

"They understand that there is a process of law that it has to go through".

The Guardian

Like the current Periodic Review Board, it was not a process of law, nor did it reach a determination about the legality of any individual detention.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Aeschylus was the first to celebrate the start of this process; in his Eumenides, third in his great dramatic trilogy The Oresteia, he tells how the old rule of revenge and blood-feud was replaced by a due process of law before a civil jury.

The Guardian - Books

Athene placates them by giving them an honourable home in her city of Athens, and thereafter the concept of a due process of law replaces might as the arbiter of right - at least, among the good and wise.

The Guardian - Books

"But we have to go through a process of analyzing the law in detail first".

The New York Times

But he does say that if ordered by a court through due process of law the company would take down a customers' site.

TechCrunch

In Twining v. New Jersey (1908), the Court held that "it is possible that some of the personal rights safeguarded by the first eight amendments against National action may also be safeguarded against state action, because a denial of them would be a denial of due process of law".

Wikipedia

For a Muslim-American Delta worker and a refugee from systematic injustices abroad, due process of law, a fundamental tenet of the American justice system, was denied.

Huffington Post

In January, following a string of high-profile dismissals, the DOJ issued a memorandum to all U.S. Attorneys' offices, focusing on what evidence, if any, prosecutors need to share with defense attorneys that might help show innocence (a constitutional requirement the Supreme Court has long held to be a component of "due process of law").

Forbes

In 1969, however, the Supreme Court reversed the Palko ruling, holding in Benton v. Maryland that the rule against double jeopardy was so fundamental to justice as to be a requirement of due process of law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal matters, use "a process of law" to emphasize the procedural aspects and the structured sequence of steps involved in the legal system. This helps convey a sense of order and adherence to established rules.

Common error

Avoid using "a process of law" interchangeably with "due process". "Due process" refers to the legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights that are owed to a person. While "a process of law" refers to the steps and procedures, "due process" includes fundamental rights and fairness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a process of law" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It signifies a systematic series of actions within the legal system, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a process of law" is an uncommon but correct noun phrase used to describe the ordered steps and procedures within a legal system. Ludwig AI analysis, as demonstrated by the provided examples, indicates the phrase is primarily employed in neutral to formal registers, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. It is crucial to distinguish "a process of law" from the concept of "due process", with the latter emphasizing the legal rights owed to individuals. When writing about legal subjects, using this phrase helps to underscore the systematic and procedural nature of the justice system.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

due process

This is a very close synonym, emphasizing fairness and established legal rights within the legal system.

legal procedure

This alternative is more concise and directly refers to the established steps in a legal case.

legal proceedings

This option highlights the actions taken in a court or other legal forum.

judicial process

This alternative specifically emphasizes the role of the courts in administering justice.

adjudication process

This alternative is used to describe the legal resolution of a dispute.

rule of law

This phrase focuses on the principle that all people are subject to and accountable under the law.

court of law

This alternative emphasizes the system that operates within a courtroom.

system of justice

This phrase refers to the broader framework of laws, courts, and procedures designed to ensure fairness.

legal system

This is a comprehensive term that describes the set of laws of a country and the way they are applied.

law enforcement process

This highlights the steps taken by police and other authorities to uphold the law.

FAQs

What does "a process of law" mean?

The phrase "a process of law" refers to the established procedures and steps within a legal system that must be followed to ensure fairness and justice. It encompasses the series of actions, hearings, and reviews that a case undergoes from start to finish.

How does "a process of law" differ from "the rule of law"?

"A process of law" describes specific procedures in the legal system, while "the rule of law" ("rule of law") is a broader principle asserting that everyone is subject to the law and that laws should be fairly applied and enforced.

When should I use "a process of law" in my writing?

Use "a process of law" when you want to emphasize the systematic and procedural aspects of legal proceedings. It's appropriate when discussing the specific steps involved in a trial, investigation, or legal action.

What are some alternatives to "a process of law"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "legal procedure", "legal proceedings", or "judicial process" to convey similar meanings.