legal system

USAGE SUMMARY

The term 'legal system' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to a system of laws within a country or region. For example, "The legal system in the United States is based on English common law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The legal system is dysfunctional.

The Economist

It shares England's legal system.

The Economist

Mediating between them is the legal system.

The New Yorker

But the legal system is lagging behind.

The Economist

She blames a misguided legal system.

The New York Times

It raises questions about our legal system".

The New York Times

Nor is India's legal system fixed.

The Economist

A legal system is still under construction.

The Economist

Besides, Russia's legal system was independent.

The Economist

The Russian legal system is another.

The Economist

The legal system is just catching up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specific countries, specify which "legal system" you are referring to (e.g., the Canadian "legal system" or the French "legal system"). This avoids ambiguity and provides context.

Common error

Avoid using "legal system" as a blanket term without acknowledging variations across jurisdictions. Legal systems differ significantly; be precise about which system you are discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legal system" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a structured framework of laws and institutions. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "legal system" is a versatile and widely used term, as verified by Ludwig AI. It's crucial for effectively discussing laws and institutions. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. When using the phrase, specifying the jurisdiction is advisable to avoid ambiguity. While grammatically correct and common, overgeneralization should be avoided. Consider alternatives like ""justice system"" or "judicial system" depending on the context. Overall, understanding the nuances of "legal system" allows for more precise and effective communication about legal topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

justice system

Focuses more specifically on the administration of justice.

system of laws

Highlights the comprehensive body of rules and regulations.

court system

Emphasizes the role of courts within the broader legal framework.

judiciary

Refers to the branch of government responsible for interpreting laws.

legal framework

Suggests the underlying structure and principles of the legal system.

regulatory system

Focuses on the system of rules designed to control conduct.

judicial process

Refers to the series of actions and steps within the legal system.

legal code

Implies a systematized collection of laws.

system of jurisprudence

Implies a more academic or philosophical approach to law.

rules of law

Highlights specific regulations or doctrines.

FAQs

How can I use "legal system" in a sentence?

You can use "legal system" to refer to the laws and institutions governing a particular jurisdiction. For example, "The effectiveness of the "justice system" depends on fair implementation".

What's the difference between "legal system" and "judicial system"?

"Legal system" encompasses all laws and institutions, while "judicial system" specifically refers to the courts and their processes.

Which is more appropriate, "legal system" or "system of laws"?

Both are correct, but "legal system" is more commonly used to refer to the structure and processes, while "system of laws" emphasizes the body of rules.

What are some alternatives to saying "the "legal system" is flawed"?

You could say "the "justice system" has shortcomings", "the "court system" needs reform", or "there are issues with the "legal framework" depending on the specific problem.