as defined by statute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as defined by statute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific definition or interpretation provided by a legal statute or law. Example: "The term 'employee' shall be understood as defined by statute in accordance with labor laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

An introductory study of the criminal law, including theories of punishment, analysis of the elements of criminal liability and available defenses, and consideration of specific crimes as defined by statute and the common law.

Cornell University

In that case the military commission's conviction of saboteurs, including one citizen of the United States, was upheld on charges of violating the law of war as defined by statute.

Cornell University

There are no grounds for statutory controls, she argues, because the press abuses that came to light during the Leveson inquiry "are already crimes as defined by statute, many lacking public interest defences and punishable on conviction by imprisonment or unlimited fine".

The Guardian

In a statement, Mr. Brown said his office "has concluded that the facts do not warrant the filing of criminal charges" because "there is insufficient evidence of criminality to support a charge that the police officer acted with the intent to injure or that physical injury (as defined by statute and case law) occurred".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Commissioner is appointed for a fixed term as defined by state statute.

Wikipedia

criteria as defined by bank.

The Economist

The court may impose a range of sentences as defined by the statute".

The Guardian

In papers filed this week, Curry's lawyers argue that he cannot be sued under New York's Human Rights Law, because Curry "does not qualify as an 'employer' " as defined by that statute.

The New York Times - Sports

But the authority's primary argument for a permit "is that we are a coastal community as defined by the statute, which defines a coastal community as those where the Magothy Aquifer is absent or contaminated with chlorides," Mr. Hopkins said.

The New York Times

The Obama administration, while agreeing with Mr. Long that the anti-injunction law bars federal courts from hearing certain tax cases before their time, concludes that the penalty for failure to obtain insurance under the Affordable Care Act is not a tax as defined by the statute.

The New York Times

Therefore its initial jurisdiction, as defined by the Statute of Rhuddlan, was as a court where only the king could bring cases.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as defined by statute", ensure you are referring to a specific statute and that the definition is accurately represented. Avoid vagueness by citing the relevant section or provision of the statute.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume a general understanding of a term aligns with its legal definition. Always consult the specific statute to understand the precise legal meaning, as everyday usage may differ significantly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as defined by statute" serves as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that a definition is legally established. It specifies the source and authority of a particular definition, thereby lending legal precision to the statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as defined by statute" is a legally precise way to indicate that a term's meaning is derived from a specific law. Ludwig AI identifies its use primarily in academic, legal, and formal contexts, showing that it is used to clarify meaning within a legal framework. While it is a grammatically sound phrase, the frequency analysis suggests it is relatively rare. The provided examples showcase the phrase's utility in legal discussions, ensuring terminology is interpreted accurately. Remember to accurately represent the statutory meaning and cite the relevant section of the statute to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as stipulated in the statute

Replaces 'defined' with 'stipulated', emphasizing a more formal and prescriptive tone.

as prescribed by the statute

Focuses on the mandatory aspect of the definition provided by the statute.

according to statutory definition

Shifts the emphasis to the definition itself being statutory.

pursuant to the statute's definition

Introduces a more formal and legalistic tone, highlighting the action taken under the statute.

under the statute's interpretation

Emphasizes that the definition is subject to interpretation as per the statute.

as legally defined

Simplifies the phrase by using 'legally' instead of 'by statute'.

defined in accordance with the statute

Rephrases to highlight the compliance aspect of the definition.

within the statute's meaning

Shifts focus to the inherent meaning of a term within the statute.

as the statute dictates

Highlights the commanding nature of the statute in determining the definition.

in compliance with the statute's definitions

Focuses on adherence to multiple definitions within the statute.

FAQs

How can I use "as defined by statute" in a sentence?

Use "as defined by statute" to clarify that a term's meaning is derived from a specific law. For example: "The term 'dependent' shall be understood "as defined by statute" in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code."

What is a simpler way to say "as defined by statute"?

Alternatives include "legally defined" or "as specified by law", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is there a difference between "as defined by statute" and "as defined by regulation"?

Yes. "As defined by statute" refers to definitions found within laws passed by a legislative body, while "as defined by regulation" refers to definitions established by government agencies through delegated rulemaking authority.

When is it appropriate to use "as defined by statute" in legal writing?

It's appropriate when you need to emphasize that a particular meaning is derived directly from a law and to avoid ambiguity or misinterpretation of the term. For example, when referencing a specific legal term, you can use the phrasing "according to statutory definition".