established law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "established law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to laws that have been recognized and accepted over time, often in a legal context. Example: "The court's decision was based on established law regarding property rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It should be taken as established law.

The Guardian

The state court's application of clearly established law must be objectively unreasonable.

The New York Times

We have still not established law and order in Afghanistan, which we "liberated" in 2001.

The New York Times

Not only would parliamentary democracy and established law be unmasked, but culture too would be transformed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The purposes, under established law, are various: recreation, preservation, resource development.

The New York Times

The Delaware trilogy is now firmly established law, and fundamental change is highly unlikely.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Some ALSP's like the Big Four and other established "law-derivative" companies like UnitedLex and Axiom, now routinely perform large, complex "legal" portfolios.

Forbes

And did the judge properly apply long-established law JUSTICE ANSTEAD.

The New York Times

The presentation provides information on the infrastructure and administration of a newly-established law office.

Cornell University

By long-established law, a pre-emptive strike is justified only to defend against an "imminent and certain" attack.

The Guardian - Opinion

The order appeared to undermine a long-established law that reports of parliamentary proceedings are protected from legal action.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "established law" to refer to principles and rules that are widely recognized and consistently applied in courts. This demonstrates a solid understanding of the legal foundation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "established law" is merely old or outdated. While it often has a long history, its defining characteristic is its continued relevance and consistent application in current legal contexts. Make sure the law is still in effect and hasn't been superseded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "established law" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It describes a body of legal principles and precedents that have been recognized and accepted over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "established law" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to recognized legal principles. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its primary contexts are news and media, academia, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the referenced law is currently relevant and consistently applied, rather than simply old or outdated. Understanding this phrase is crucial for navigating and discussing legal matters effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settled legal principle

Emphasizes the idea of a legal rule that is well-defined and accepted.

long-standing legal rule

Highlights the duration and historical entrenchment of a legal rule.

recognized legal precedent

Highlights the importance of past court decisions that serve as a guide for future cases.

accepted legal doctrine

Stresses the widespread acceptance of a particular legal concept or set of rules.

existing legislation

Refers to laws currently in effect, shifting the focus from establishment to current existence.

prevailing legal standard

Focuses on the current standards and norms in legal practice.

binding legal authority

Emphasizes the mandatory nature and enforceability of the law.

customary legal practice

Focuses on practices that have become law through long usage and recognition.

traditional legal understanding

Refers to a conventional or inherited interpretation of the law.

codified law

Specifically refers to laws that have been formally written down and organized into a code.

FAQs

How is "established law" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "established law" is used to refer to legal principles or precedents that have been recognized and accepted over time. For example, "The court's decision was based on the "established law" regarding property rights".

What are some alternatives to "established law"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "existing legislation", "settled legal principle", or "recognized legal precedent".

Is there a difference between "established law" and "statutory law"?

"Established law" refers to principles and precedents recognized over time, while "statutory law" refers specifically to laws enacted by a legislative body. While a statute can become part of "established law" over time, not all established law originates from statutes.

How does "established law" relate to legal precedent?

Legal precedent, or stare decisis, is a key component of "established law". Prior court decisions that have set a standard or rule become part of "established law" and guide future decisions in similar cases.