creature of laws

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "creature of laws" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or philosophical contexts to describe an entity or individual that exists or operates within the framework of laws and regulations. Example: "As a corporation, it is a creature of laws, bound by the statutes that govern its operations and responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But the Fed is a creature of laws and men, and laws and men can be changed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The object may be corporeal, such as furniture, or completely the creature of law, such as a patent, copyright, or annuity; it may be movable, such as an animal, or immovable, such as land.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Business groups are not people – they are man-made creatures of law that exist to generate economic activity and create jobs and income in communities," the A.F.L.-C.I.O.'s said.

The New York Times

However, if group rights could only ever be creatures of law, we could not protest that a legal system was failing to recognise or to respect a group's right.

SEP

Libel law is a creature of state law over which the President holds no jurisdiction.

Huffington Post

"I.C.H.I.P. premiums are established by state law," he said, "and I.P.X.P. is a creature of federal law.

The New York Times

It was a mistake, she suggested, that the Supreme Court "imbued a creature of State law with human characteristics".

The Economist

According to Bentham (1843) " … there is no natural property … property is entirely the creature of the law".

SEP

But late in the day, with the stock trading below the IPO price, a spokesman said lawyers refused to allow executives to speak due to the quiet period, which is a creature not of law but of practice, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forbes

Temporary exclusion of 100 percent of gain on certain small-business stock: This provision, an incentive to invest in small companies by making the capital gains tax-free, is yet another creature of recent stimulus laws that has been expanded over the last few years, and like the others, it also expired at the end of last year.

The New York Times

God is immanent in the entire process of nature, in which all creatures follow the laws of their own being to the limit of their powers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "creature of laws", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific set of laws is being referenced. This provides clarity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "creature of laws" without specifying which jurisdiction or body of law is relevant. Without context, the phrase can become vague and lose its intended meaning. For example, specify whether it's federal, state, or international law.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "creature of laws" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe an entity or concept whose existence and nature are determined by legal statutes. Ludwig AI confirms its use in legal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

16%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "creature of laws" is a noun phrase signifying something whose existence and character are dictated by legal statutes. As Ludwig AI shows, its use is grammatically correct, though relatively rare, primarily appearing in formal contexts such as legal, academic, and journalistic discourse. To ensure clarity, specify which set of laws is being referenced. Alternatives include "creation of legislation" and "product of legal statutes". Proper usage emphasizes the dependence of an entity on the legal framework.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creation of legislation

Focuses on the act of lawmaking that brings something into existence.

product of legal statutes

Highlights the result of laws and statutes shaping or defining something.

legal construct

Emphasizes the artificial and legally defined nature of something.

entity of statutes

Similar to creature but focuses on statutes as the defining factor.

defined by legal framework

Highlights the definitional aspect of legal rules.

subject to legislation

Focuses on the fact that actions/entities have to follow laws.

governed by laws

Highlights the control and influence of legal rules over something.

bound by statutes

Focuses on the obligatory aspect of following laws.

under the jurisdiction of law

Emphasizes that an entity it's legally controlled by the Law.

legally established entity

Stresses the formal and legal establishment of an entity.

FAQs

How can I use "creature of laws" in a sentence?

You can use "creature of laws" to describe something that exists solely because of laws, such as a corporation or a specific legal right. For example, "A corporation is a "creature of laws", existing only because the state allows its formation through specific statutes".

What does it mean to be a "creature of laws"?

To be a "creature of laws" means that something's existence, operation, or nature is entirely defined and dependent on the legal system. Without those laws, the thing in question would not exist or function as it does.

Which is more appropriate, "creature of law" or "creature of laws"?

"Creature of laws" is generally more appropriate when referring to a system or body of laws rather than a single law. However, "creature of law" might be suitable if a specific, singular law is the sole basis for something's existence.

Can I use the term "creature of laws" in a non-legal context?

While primarily used in legal and philosophical contexts, you could theoretically use "creature of laws" metaphorically in other fields to describe something heavily dictated by rules or regulations. However, ensure the audience understands the intended meaning, as it could be confusing.