administer the law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "administer the law" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to the enforcement of laws, such as when referring to judges, law enforcement officers, or other officials. For example, "The judge was tasked with administering the law in a fair and impartial way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I am going there to administer the law".

The New York Times

Rulers find it easier to build infrastructure and administer the law, including property rights.

The Economist

"If they don't strictly administer the law, then we can still go on playing".

The New York Times - Tech

"The people who actually administer the law are carrying a lot of gender bias," Batliwala says.

The Guardian

He was a giant with fists like sacks of sand and preferred to administer the law with his hands and his thick-soled brogues.

The New Yorker

The first e-mailed warnings will be sent to people accused of piracy within days, according to the government agency set up to administer the law.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

We're required to administer the laws of California".

The New York Times

But they can't even administer the laws already on the books.

The Washington Post

The federal government was to appoint all senior judges, the provinces to administer the laws and maintain the courts.

Britannica

After referring to the several attempts to administer the laws, he said: "Each of the present judges has made the experiment of administering the law in Utah, and each has failed.

The New York Times

The people will elect their own Assembly and the Assembly will elect the officials to administer the laws.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "administer the law" when you want to emphasize the impartial and procedural aspects of applying legal rules.

Common error

Avoid using "administer the law" as a vague substitute for general governance. Be specific about the legal domain and the responsible parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "administer the law" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a subject (e.g., judge, government) to indicate the action of managing and applying legal rules. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and commonly used expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

21%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "administer the law" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes the act of managing and applying legal rules. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academic contexts, it signifies a formal and procedural approach to legal matters. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to specify the actor and the context for clarity. While "administer the law" emphasizes impartiality, related phrases like "enforce the law" or "uphold the law" may better suit situations where compliance or legal support are the primary focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Enforce the law

Focuses on compelling obedience to laws, adding a sense of authority and action.

Apply the law

Emphasizes the act of putting the law into practice in specific situations.

Uphold the law

Highlights the duty to maintain and support the legal system.

Execute the law

Implies carrying out the law's provisions, often in an official capacity.

Implement the law

Focuses on the practical steps taken to make a law effective.

Preside over legal matters

Relates to the action of directing law related procedures and processes, generally in formal settings.

Adjudicate disputes

Deals with the process of judging or deciding on legal conflicts.

Oversee the legal process

Implies a supervisory role in the application of the law.

Ensure legal compliance

Highlights the objective of adhering to legal requirements.

Conduct legal proceedings

Refers to managing or carrying out formal legal actions.

FAQs

How can I use "administer the law" in a sentence?

You can say "The judge is responsible to "administer the law" fairly" or "The government agency is tasked with "administering the law" regarding environmental regulations".

What is the difference between "enforce the law" and "administer the law"?

"Enforce the law" focuses on ensuring compliance and punishing violations, while ""administer the law"" encompasses the broader process of applying legal rules and procedures.

Who is typically responsible for administering the law?

Typically, judges, government agencies, law enforcement officers, and other legal officials are responsible for "administering the law".

What are some alternatives to "administer the law"?

Alternatives include "enforce the law", "apply the law", or "uphold the law", depending on the specific context.