a question of legality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of legality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether something is lawful or in compliance with the law. Example: "The debate surrounding the new policy ultimately became a question of legality, as many argued it violated existing regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It wasn't just a question of legality.

The New Yorker

"It is a question of legality versus legitimacy," he said.

The New York Times

The unique complaint turns the great anxiety of parenthood into a question of legality: Are a mother and father answerable for the crimes of the son?

The Washington Post

There is also a question of legality.

Forbes

There's a question of legality of doing that, and then there's just practicality.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A judicial variation on this distinction – between "law" and "policy" – further reflected the quest for autonomy of the administrative sphere: in theory, courts were to refrain from interfering with bureaucratic policymaking unless a clear question of legality was presented.

Columbia University

Sainsbury's chief executive, Justin King, has challenged senior business leaders and fellow retailers over the UK corporation tax furore by arguing that the issue is a question of morality, not legality.

The Guardian - Business

Sainsbury's chief executive, Justin King, has challenged senior business leaders and fellow retailers over the UK corporation tax furore by arguing that the issue is a question of morality, not legality.

The Guardian - Business

Its long-running feud with the education minister centers on a financial recovery and educational reform plan for its indebted school system; it is not just a question of money, but of legalities and of inequities in the financing of religious and secular schools.

The New York Times

"The truth of the matter is, if the inquiry was going to express a view with any kind of authority on the question of legality, it would need a legal member and quite a senior one," the judge said.

The Guardian

"The Spanish government uses the question of legality a lot," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a question of legality", ensure that the context clearly indicates which law or regulation is being questioned to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of legality" when the issue is actually about ethical or moral considerations, as these are distinct from legal compliance. For instance, just because something is legal doesn't automatically make it ethical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of legality" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a legal issue or uncertainty that requires consideration or resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of legality" is a grammatically sound phrase employed to highlight an issue concerning the lawfulness or legal permissibility of something. Though not extremely common, it finds frequent application in news and academic spheres. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct for use in English writing. When utilizing it, ensure that the legal aspect under scrutiny is explicitly defined to circumvent ambiguity. Remember that legal compliance is distinct from ethical considerations, and clarity is crucial in differentiating between the two. Alternatives like "a matter of legal compliance" or "an issue of legal permissibility" can provide variety while maintaining precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An issue of legal permissibility

Highlights whether something is allowed by law.

A matter of legal compliance

Focuses on adherence to laws and regulations.

The lawfulness of the action

Directly addresses whether an action follows the law.

Concerns regarding its legality

Highlights worries about the lawfulness of something.

Whether it is within the law

Poses a direct question about legal boundaries.

A legal consideration

Emphasizes the need to think about the legal aspects.

The legality is in doubt

Indicates uncertainty about the lawfulness of something.

Legal validity is uncertain

Expresses doubt about whether something is legally sound.

The legal standing of

Addresses the legal position or status of something.

A legal problem

Broadly refers to a difficulty related to the law.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a question of legality"?

Alternatives include "a matter of legal compliance", "an issue of legal permissibility", or simply discussing the "lawfulness" or "legitimacy" of something depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a question of legality"?

Use "a question of legality" when discussing whether an action, policy, or situation is in accordance with the law. It's suitable when there's a genuine debate or uncertainty about its legal standing.

What's the difference between "a question of legality" and "a question of morality"?

"A question of legality" concerns whether something complies with laws and regulations, while "a question of morality" concerns whether something aligns with ethical principles or societal values. They are related but distinct considerations.

Can "a question of legality" be subjective?

Yes, interpretations of laws can vary, leading to subjective opinions on whether something meets legal requirements. What might be legal in one jurisdiction could be illegal in another, or open to interpretation.