as the law stands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the law stands" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the current state or interpretation of the law at a given time. Example: "As the law stands, individuals are required to pay taxes on their income."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Police chiefs say that, as the law stands, it is virtually impossible to convict these people.

The Economist

As the law stands, some council members are limited to six years, rather than eight.

The New York Times

As the law stands, only same-sex couples can enter into civil partnerships.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the law stands, punters who knowingly have sex with an exploited woman can face charges of rape.

The Economist

As the law stands, citizens do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy in a public place.

The Economist

There are some exceptions for fishmeal and fish feed, but as the law stands, insect meal is a non-starter.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is a continuing injustice to these two women who, as the law stood in 1963, and by any reasonable judgment now, were never prostitutes.

The Guardian - Books

Also, the law stands as a formal framework, which confers on public officials the power to ensure legal protection of women.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

As the new law stands, foreign NGOs will have to be approved by an opaque state committee, a measure that may discourage foreign NGOs from engaging in Egypt.

The Guardian

As the US law stands today, peacemaking with known terrorist organizations is illegal for US citizens.

Huffington Post

Let the laws stand as they are.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the law stands" to clearly indicate that you are referring to the current legal situation, acknowledging that laws can change. This adds precision to your writing, especially in legal or journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "as the law stands" when discussing historical legal situations, as laws evolve over time. Instead, specify the period to which the law applied, providing historical context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the law stands" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a clause by setting a condition or providing context based on current legal stipulations. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which highlights its correct and frequent usage in professional writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the law stands" is a correct and very common phrase used to refer to the current state of the law. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly in professional and journalistic contexts. It serves to provide a clear legal context and specify current conditions, as illustrated by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to use it appropriately by acknowledging that laws can change and specifying the time frame accurately. Alternatives include "under the current legal framework" and "according to existing legislation", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the current legal framework

Emphasizes the existing structure of the law.

according to existing legislation

Highlights that the present laws dictate the situation.

as it is legislated today

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the legal status.

in accordance with present regulations

Emphasizes compliance with current rules.

given the present legal stipulations

Highlights specific conditions within the legal framework.

under the existing legal provisions

Refers to the specific parts of the law that apply.

in the current legal climate

Suggests the broader legal environment influencing the situation.

based on the prevailing laws

Stresses that the current laws are the determining factor.

with the law as it is currently written

Highlights the specific wording of the existing laws.

the current legal position dictates

Focuses on the outcome or requirement of the current law.

FAQs

How can I use "as the law stands" in a sentence?

You can use "as the law stands" to specify the present legal situation. For example, "As the law stands, only same-sex couples can enter into civil partnerships".

What's a more formal way to say "as the law stands"?

More formal alternatives include "under the current legal framework" or "according to existing legislation".

Is it ever incorrect to use "as the law stands"?

It would be incorrect to use "as the law stands" when referring to a law that has been repealed or amended. In such cases, you should specify the time period when the law was in effect.

What is the difference between "as the law stands" and "under current law"?

The phrases "as the law stands" and "under current law" are very similar and often interchangeable. However, "as the law stands" might slightly emphasize the possibility of future changes, while "under current law" focuses more on the present legal requirements.