foundations of law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundations of law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the basic principles or underlying concepts that form the basis of legal systems or legal theory. Example: "In his lecture, the professor emphasized the importance of understanding the foundations of law to appreciate the complexities of the legal system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Capitalism and democracy," I wrote, "are not naturally occurring, but require strong institutional foundations of law and order.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hobbes's fundamental criticism of common-law theory was that the "immemorial customs" of the community, claimed to be the foundations of law, are not always easily discernible; they may in fact be deeply controversial, and so the common law may by nature fail to offer authoritative and final views of what its putative subjects ought to do.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is doubtful, however, that the conventions at the foundations of law are of a coordinative kind.

SEP

The theoretical foundations of Law 5 are provided by, e.g., Ngai and Pissarides (2007), Foellmi and Zweimüller (2008), Stijepic (2011), Uy et al. (2013), and Herrendorf et al. (2014); these papers focus among others on the explanation of the hump-shaped manufacturing sector dynamics.

Journal of Economic Structures

His aversion to the imposition of a rules-based society led him to denounce, as a manifestation of the people's 'mental enslavement', the foundations of law, property rights and even the institution of marriage.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Without the foundation of law, this vast country could never have survived as one, could never have absorbed streams of immigrants from myriad cultures.

The New York Times

"I feel very strongly that the monument represents the moral foundation of law, which is greatly needed in our country today," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Fox has promised to renew that faith, but his own aides say he must tear down a corrupt labyrinth before building a new foundation of law.

The New York Times

Second, starting in the 1620s, there emerged in England an increasingly sophisticated defense of the idea that at the foundation of law was custom, exemplified by the common law of England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A basic list of government tasks, the Bank reckons, includes establishing a foundation of law, maintaining macroeconomic stability, investing in basic social services and infrastructure as well as protecting the vulnerable and the environment.

The Economist

A sophisticated variant of this view can be built around the notion of principled consistency ("integrity") which, according to Dworkin's later work, is a distinct political virtue that forms the foundation of law (Dworkin 1986).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the historical or philosophical basis of a legal system, use "foundations of law" to emphasize the long-standing and deeply rooted nature of these principles.

Common error

Avoid using "foundations of law" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "basis" or "principles" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundations of law" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies the fundamental principles, historical context, and philosophical underpinnings upon which a legal system is built. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "foundations of law" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used in formal contexts to describe the fundamental principles and historical basis of legal systems. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy and usability of the phrase. While relatively rare in general usage, it appears in academic, news, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, it's crucial to consider the formality of the context and opt for simpler terms in casual situations. Alternatives like "legal underpinnings" or "basis of law" can provide similar meaning with a less formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis of law

Emphasizes the fundamental groundwork upon which the law is constructed.

legal underpinnings

Focuses on the support structure beneath the legal system.

principles of law

Highlights the core doctrines and tenets guiding the legal framework.

groundwork of the legal system

Stresses the preparatory and foundational aspects of the overall system.

fundamental tenets of law

Emphasizes the core beliefs and principles that underpin the law.

essential elements of law

Focuses on the indispensable components of the legal system.

legal framework's origins

Shifts focus to the genesis and historical development of the legal structure.

cornerstones of jurisprudence

Uses a more formal term ("jurisprudence") to describe the essential elements.

root of law

Metaphorically describes the origin of the law.

source of legal authority

Highlights the origin from which legal power and legitimacy derive.

FAQs

How can I use "foundations of law" in a sentence?

You might say, "Understanding the "foundations of law" is crucial for any legal professional" or "The course explores the philosophical "foundations of law"".

What's another way to say "foundations of law"?

Consider alternatives like "basis of law", "legal underpinnings", or "principles of law" depending on the context.

What aspects are included in the "foundations of law"?

The "foundations of law" typically include its philosophical underpinnings, historical development, and core principles. These elements establish the legitimacy and structure of the legal system.

Is it more appropriate to say "foundation of law" or "foundations of law"?

"Foundations of law" is generally preferred as it implies multiple supporting elements, whereas "foundation of law" might suggest a single, monolithic base. Though “foundation of law” can be correct if it refers to a single concept, belief or event.