codified in law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "codified in law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to laws or regulations that have been formally established and documented within legal statutes. Example: "The rights of citizens are codified in law, ensuring protection against discrimination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In 1970, legislation the Statute of the Workers ratified these developments and established rights never before codified in law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Mr. Baucus said, "These protections are so important that they need to be codified in law".

The New York Times

In addition, the guidelines aren't codified in law and can be changed by the next attorney general.

The New York Times

By extension, even if Trump tried to argue that Comey violated executive privilege, that, too, is not codified in law.

The Washington Post

Only in very rare cases, reply its opponents, and the principle behind them cannot, and should not, be codified in law.

The Economist

Instead, America is based on a social contract, entered into voluntarily by all citizens and codified in law, especially in the constitution.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

These developments have sparked complex and emotive debates about how to handle the final stages of life.The Dutch parliament is currently considering a bill which would make permanent a 15-year experiment in allowing doctor-assisted suicide by codifying in law regulations which have governed such practices.

The Economist

The CMP codifies in law the ability of the Government to talk shit about you behind your back in court without you ever finding out about it.

Vice

The proposed law, which goes before the French Senate this week and which President François Hollande hopes to codify in law by July, would make it easier for private employers to hire and fire people.

Vice

I don't think it's going to have any effect". Rocket builders argue, however, that what constitutes a commercial launch contract is in the eye of the beholder and that the Packard bill will codify in law the procedures that they want NASA to follow.

Los Angeles Times

The highway has been codified in Washington law since 1970, while the tunnel through Naches Pass has been codified in state law since 1959.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "codified in law", ensure that you can clearly identify the specific law or statute where the principle or rule is formalized. This adds credibility and precision to your statement.

Common error

Be aware that just because something is "codified in law" doesn't automatically mean it's universally accepted or morally right. Laws can be unjust or discriminatory, as seen historically with practices like racial segregation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "codified in law" primarily functions as a descriptor, indicating that a particular rule, right, or principle has been formally enacted and integrated into a legal system. As Ludwig AI points out, this provides clarity, stability and enforceability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "codified in law" is a descriptor indicating that a principle or rule has been formally enacted into a legal system. As Ludwig AI shows, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears commonly in various sources, particularly news and media. The phrase is used to emphasize the authoritative nature of a rule and appears in neutral to formal registers, making it suitable for legal documents, news reports, and academic papers. It's important to remember that just because something is "codified in law" doesn't mean it is universally accepted. The word may imply legal authority, but not necessarily moral or ethical validity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enshrined in law

Focuses more on the deeply respected or cherished nature of the law.

legislated into effect

Emphasizes the legislative process that brings the law into being.

written into the statutes

Highlights the written, formal inclusion of something within legal codes.

legally established

A more general term indicating something has been formally recognized by law.

formally enacted

Focuses on the official action of putting a law or rule into place.

constitutionally guaranteed

Implies the law or right is protected by the constitution.

statutorily defined

Emphasizes the role of statutes in providing a specific definition.

mandated by law

Highlights the obligatory nature imposed by the legal system.

legitimized through legislation

Highlights how legislation has formally validated a concept or practice.

set down in legal terms

Focuses on the action of expressing something according to precise legal language.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to be "codified in law"?

When something is "codified in law", it means it has been formally written and enacted as part of the legal system. This gives it legal authority and makes it enforceable by the government and the courts.

Why is it important for principles to be "codified in law"?

Codifying principles in law provides clarity, stability, and enforceability. Without legal codification, principles may be subject to interpretation or change, making them less reliable. It also ensures they are consistently applied and protected by the legal system.

What's the difference between something being "codified in law" and simply being a custom or tradition?

While customs and traditions may influence behavior, they lack the legal force of something "codified in law". Customs and traditions are not legally binding, whereas laws are enforceable with penalties for non-compliance. Codification brings formality and legal backing that informal practices lack.

What are some alternatives to saying something is "codified in law"?

You can use alternatives like "enshrined in law", "legally established", or "written into the statutes" depending on the specific context.