answerable to the law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answerable to the law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing legal accountability or obligations to comply with legal standards. Example: "As a public official, he is answerable to the law and must adhere to all regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr Sarkozy is answerable to the law as others.

The Guardian

We can't understand why the officers and G4S are not answerable to the law as we or any other member of the public would be," she said.

The Guardian

In Italy the church still enjoys a sort of immunity, for cultural reasons, but Italians will surely one day insist that their religion should be answerable to the law of the land.

The Economist

Mr. Hussein's attitude toward the court demonstrates the applicability today of the words of the Nuremberg trials prosecutor Robert Jackson: "We are able to do away with domestic tyranny and violence and aggression by those in power against the rights of their own people only when we make all men answerable to the law".

The New York Times

There's so much money that they can, as we know, the law -- how answerable to the law they are.

Huffington Post

We need to help them realise that their clients are also equally answerable to the law and nobody can make them do anything without their consent.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Or does the church see itself as a separate realm answerable to the laws of Rome?

The Guardian

While contractors employed by the Department of Defense are answerable to the domestic laws of the United States, contractors employed by civilian departments are not necessarily accountable under U.S. law.

Huffington Post

For instance, a just system of criminal law must convict and punish only those who are responsible, in the sense of being answerable for their crimes: only those who have the capacities necessary to answer for their actions, who are bound by this criminal law, and who are answerable to the political community whose law it is and whose courts call them to answer.

SEP

They include replacing politically appointed leaders with law-enforcement professionals; developing and adhering to high standards for hiring, promotion and firing; training, testing and retraining supervisors and officers; and making the police answerable to the community.

The New York Times

Although not an elected official, the attorney general, as chief law enforcement officer of the state and as a member of the executive branch, is ultimately answerable to the people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "answerable to the law", ensure clarity about who or what is subject to legal accountability. Specificity enhances the impact and precision of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "answerable to the law" in contexts where moral or ethical accountability is more relevant than legal liability. Legal responsibility is a specific subset of broader accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answerable to the law" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate legal accountability or responsibility. It signifies that an individual, entity, or action is subject to and must comply with legal standards. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "answerable to the law" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating legal accountability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signifies that someone or something is legally obligated and responsible for their conduct. While its frequency is uncommon, it is most often found in News & Media contexts. Related phrases include "subject to the law" and "accountable under the law". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overgeneralization by focusing on concrete legal obligations rather than broader ethical considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subject to the law

This alternative indicates that someone is under the jurisdiction and authority of the legal system.

Accountable under the law

This phrase emphasizes the responsibility to answer for one's actions within the legal framework.

Liable under the law

This suggests a legal obligation or responsibility for actions, with potential consequences.

Amenable to the law

Indicates a willingness or obligation to comply with the law.

Under legal obligation

Highlights a specific duty required by law.

Bound by the law

Emphasizes the constraint and duty imposed by legal rules.

Responsible before the law

This variation accentuates the aspect of bearing responsibility in a legal setting.

Within the reach of the law

This alternative suggests that the law has the power to affect someone or something.

Governed by the law

This focuses on the law as the ruling or controlling force.

Judicially responsible

This implies a specific responsibility within the judicial system.

FAQs

How can I use "answerable to the law" in a sentence?

You can use "answerable to the law" to indicate that someone or something is responsible and can be held accountable under the legal system. For example, "Public officials are "answerable to the law" for their actions while in office."

What's a good alternative to "answerable to the law"?

Alternatives include "subject to the law", "accountable under the law", or "liable under the law", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "answerable by the law" instead of "answerable to the law"?

While "answerable by" might seem grammatically similar, "answerable to the law" is the idiomatic and widely accepted phrasing. "Answerable by" could imply that the law itself is doing the answering, which is not the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "answerable to the law" and "accountable to the law"?

While similar, "answerable to the law" often emphasizes the process of having to respond or explain actions to the legal system, whereas "accountable to the law" focuses more on the general state of being responsible and liable for one's actions under the law.