character of law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "character of law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to discuss the nature, qualities, or principles that define a legal system or legal principles. Example: "The character of law in this jurisdiction emphasizes fairness and justice for all individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In order to understand this critical character of law in De Jure Belli ac Pacis, one must understand the entire structure of his argumentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hart's positivist theory of law is, then, "impure": contrary to Kelsen, Hart claimed that the normative character of law can be explained in terms of complicated facts about the behaviour and attitudes of officials of the legal system, primarily judges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As St. Thomas Aquinas says in the Summa Theologica: "…Every human law has just so much of the character of law as it is derived from the law of nature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the relative character of law and of morality as means of control of conduct is assessed, consideration is given to their theoretically optimal domains - to where morality alone would appear to be best to control behavior, to where morality and the law would likely be advantageous to employ jointly, and to where solely the law would seem desirable to utilize.

Harvard University

The first concerns the institutional character of law.

SEP

Its emphasis on legislative institutions was replaced by a focus on law-applying institutions such as courts, and its insistence of the role of coercive force gave way to theories emphasizing the systematic and normative character of law.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Likewise, a few lawyers and law students, disenchanted with the severely ahistorical and analytical character of "law-school law," began to explore extralegal sources, seeking a deeper understanding of law and legal change.

The New York Times - Books

However, in an irony Hawthorn appreciated, this meant that in their search for a quick summary of the history of their discipline, students imbibed his subversive message: the ambition to discover the laws governing human behaviour misrepresented the character of "laws" and misunderstood the kind of understanding available where human action is concerned.

The Guardian

This dual character of positive law is presupposed by the well-known slogan "Unjust laws are not laws".

SEP

The conscientious objector may believe, for example, that the general character of the law in question is morally wrong (as an absolute pacifist would believe of conscription), or that the law extends to certain cases which it should not cover (an orthodox Christian would regard euthanasia as murder) (Raz, 1979, 263).

SEP

The territorial, material, and economic character of canon law and the decentralization allied with it disappeared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract legal concepts, use "character of law" to explore its inherent nature and principles. This phrase effectively conveys the essence and fundamental attributes of a legal system or specific laws.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or legalistic language when discussing the "character of law". Aim for clarity and accessibility to ensure your audience understands the fundamental nature and principles you are describing. Overly complex vocabulary can obscure the core meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "character of law" primarily functions as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the essential nature, qualities, or attributes that define a legal system or specific laws, often in philosophical or analytical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

27%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Academia

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "character of law" is a noun phrase used to describe the inherent nature and fundamental principles of a legal system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in academic, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While not extremely frequent, its usage is consistent and appropriate for discussing the core attributes of law. Consider using alternative phrases like "nature of law" or "essence of law" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nature of law

Focuses on the fundamental essence and inherent qualities that define law.

essence of law

Highlights the most important and indispensable qualities that make law what it is.

attributes of law

Emphasizes specific characteristics and features that law possesses.

principles of law

Refers to the foundational rules and guidelines that underpin the legal system.

features of law

Highlights notable aspects and traits that distinguish law.

qualities of law

Focuses on the inherent characteristics and properties that define legal concepts.

distinctiveness of law

Emphasizes what sets law apart from other systems or norms.

hallmarks of law

Highlights the defining traits and indicators that characterize law.

defining traits of law

Focuses on the characteristics that are essential for identifying law.

legal character

Shortened form emphasizing the legal attributes and nature.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "character of law" in a sentence?

You can use "character of law" to discuss the fundamental nature, qualities, or principles that define a legal system or specific laws. For instance, "The "character of law" in this jurisdiction emphasizes fairness and justice for all individuals."

What are some alternatives to "character of law"?

Alternatives include "nature of law", "essence of law", or "attributes of law". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of law you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "the character of laws" instead of "character of law"?

While "character of law" generally refers to the overall nature of legal systems, "character of laws" can be used to describe the specific attributes of individual laws. The singular form is more common when discussing law in general.

How does "character of law" differ from "rule of law"?

"Character of law" refers to the fundamental qualities and principles inherent in a legal system, while "rule of law" describes a system where everyone, including those in power, are subject to and accountable under the law. They are related, but address different aspects of legality.