an error in law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an error in law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to refer to a mistake made in the interpretation or application of the law. Example: "The court found that there was an error in law regarding the interpretation of the statute."

✓ Grammatically correct

Legal contexts

Appeals

Court rulings

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

So the death sentence pronounced on Jesus by Caiaphas was an error in law.

The Guardian

Poll said his error was inexcusable and he should carry the blame: "What I did was an error in law.

The Guardian - Sport

22 It is true that the breach of a duty of procedural fairness is an error in law.

Harvard University

My conclusion, therefore, is that the judgment of the Court of First Instance is vitiated by an error in law.

Harvard University

Four months ago an appeals panel ruled that judges made an "error in law" when they refused to indict Bashir on international law's gravest charge.

The Guardian

An NRL spokesman said the player could appeal "if there is an error in law or that the decision was unreasonable or insupportable having regard to the evidence on which it is based".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The agency maintains that "a material error in law" was made at Snoop Dogg's hearing in January, when he was cleared to enter Britain by an immigration judge who said he found no evidence that Snoop Dogg was responsible for any public disorder.

The New York Times

But the Supreme Court of Appeals ruled that Masipa had made a fundamental error in law and failed to apply the correct legal test in reaching her finding: whether Pistorius foresaw his actions might kill.

Los Angeles Times

At bottom, petitioner's contention is that the Florida Supreme Court committed an error in interpreting state law.

The New York Times

Due to an error in its writing, the law gives employees the right to refuse to work on Saturday or Sunday.

The New York Times

Representative Henry A. Waxman, Democrat of California and chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, blamed an error in the health care law for the loss of access.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing legal documents or analysis, use "an error in law" to specifically denote a mistake in the understanding or application of legal principles. This term carries a specific weight in legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "an error in law" when referring to mistakes about facts in a case. "Error in law" refers specifically to misinterpretations or misapplications of legal principles, not factual inaccuracies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an error in law" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of mistake within the legal system. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, highlighting a flaw in legal reasoning or application.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an error in law" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a mistake in legal reasoning or application. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media and academic contexts, functioning to identify legal flaws and grounds for appeal. While alternatives exist, "an error in law" provides a specific and recognized term within legal discourse. Remember to differentiate it from factual errors and utilize it when pinpointing misinterpretations or misapplications of legal principles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mistake of law

Changes the prepositional phrase structure while maintaining the core meaning.

a misapplication of the law

Focuses on the action of incorrectly applying the law.

a legal mistake

Replaces "error" with a more common synonym, simplifying the phrase.

a flawed legal interpretation

Highlights the incorrect understanding of the law.

a defect in legal reasoning

Emphasizes the faulty reasoning behind a legal decision.

a judicial error

Specifies that the error was made by a judge.

an incorrect legal ruling

Focuses on the outcome of the error, the ruling itself.

a breach of legal principle

Highlights a violation of fundamental legal principles.

a procedural error

Specific type of legal error, focused on procedure.

legal oversight

Implies a failure to properly consider the law.

FAQs

How is "an error in law" different from a factual error?

"An error in law" refers to a mistake in understanding or applying legal principles, while a factual error is an inaccuracy about the details or events of a case. A factual error might lead to "a legal mistake", but they aren't the same.

When might someone appeal a decision based on "an error in law"?

Appeals based on "an error in law" typically occur when a party believes the court misinterpreted a statute, precedent, or legal principle, leading to an incorrect judgment. The appellate court reviews the lower court's legal conclusions to determine if such an error occurred.

What are some alternatives to saying "an error in law"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a legal mistake", "a mistake of law", or "a misapplication of the law". These phrases convey a similar meaning while offering variety in expression.

Is "an error in law" a ground for appeal?

Yes, "an error in law" is a common ground for appeal. Appellate courts review lower court decisions for errors of law, meaning mistakes in the judge's application or interpretation of the law. Successful appeals on this ground can result in the original decision being overturned or modified.