contrary to common law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contrary to common law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to indicate that something does not align with established legal principles or precedents. Example: "The new regulation is contrary to common law and may face legal challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They will be jointly charged with one count of false imprisonment, contrary to common law.

Independent

Michael Boateng and Hakeem Adelakun, both 22 and from the Croydon area of south London, were charged with conspiracy to defraud contrary to common law.

Independent

Indeed, respective governments have been remarkably successful in persuading parliaments to pass laws that are contrary, even explicitly contrary, to common law rights and to the international human rights regime to which Australia is a party.

The Guardian

The Statute of Monopolies of 1623 confirmed that monopolies were contrary to common law but made exceptions for patentable inventions, and a statute of 1601 became the basis of the privileges enjoyed by charitable trusts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A police spokesman said: "At 7am officers arrested the man at an address in London on suspicion of conspiring to intercept voicemail messages, contrary to Section 1 (1) Criminal Law Act 1977, and on suspicion of perverting the course of justice contrary to common law.

The Guardian

A statement from the force said: "At 7am officers arrested the man at an address in London on suspicion of conspiring to intercept voicemail messages, contrary to Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977 and on suspicion of perverting the course of justice contrary to common law.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

That seemed contrary to common sense.

The New York Times - Sports

Contrary to common sense, Stalin rejected our suggestion.

The Guardian

Contrary to common belief, these things are instinctive".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This result runs contrary to common marketing practice.

The New York Times

"That is contrary to common sense," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contrary to common law", ensure the context clearly establishes which jurisdiction's common law is being referenced, as interpretations can vary by region.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "common law" is universally consistent. Different jurisdictions have distinct common law traditions; always specify the relevant legal system to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contrary to common law" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating opposition or inconsistency with established legal principles derived from judicial precedent. Ludwig shows its use in legal and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contrary to common law" is a prepositional phrase used to denote conflict or inconsistency with established legal precedents. While Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, its usage is relatively uncommon, primarily appearing in news, legal, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific jurisdiction's common law. Consider alternatives like "inconsistent with common law" for potentially simpler communication. The expert rating reflects the phrase's correct grammar and use in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsistent with common law

Replaces "contrary to" with "inconsistent with", focusing on a lack of alignment rather than direct opposition.

at odds with common law

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate disagreement or conflict with established legal principles.

in opposition to common law

Emphasizes a direct adversarial relationship with common law principles.

violates common law principles

Highlights the transgression of established legal principles.

repugnant to common law

Emphasizes the incompatibility between something and existing common law.

conflicts with common law

Focuses on the clashing of something with the accepted legal understanding.

not in accordance with common law

Uses a more formal phrasing to indicate a lack of agreement.

runs counter to common law

Emphasizes a direction or tendency that is opposite to what the common law dictates.

deviates from common law

Highlights a departure from the norms or standards set by common law.

in defiance of common law

Suggests a deliberate resistance or disregard of common law principles.

FAQs

How can I use "contrary to common law" in a sentence?

You can use "contrary to common law" to indicate that a particular action, law, or principle goes against established legal precedents and traditions. For example: "The new regulation is "contrary to common law" and may face legal challenges."

What is a simpler way to express "contrary to common law"?

Simpler alternatives include saying something is "inconsistent with common law" or "at odds with common law", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "contrary to common law" the same as "illegal"?

Not necessarily. "Contrary to common law" means that something does not align with established legal precedents derived from court decisions, while "illegal" means that something violates a specific statute or regulation. An action can be "contrary to common law" without being explicitly illegal, and vice versa.

When is it appropriate to use "contrary to common law" in writing?

Use "contrary to common law" in legal documents, academic papers, or journalistic reports when discussing the legal implications of a new law, regulation, or judicial decision. It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something deviates from established legal principles.