legally valid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "legally valid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is recognized by law as having legal force or effect. Example: "The contract was deemed legally valid by the court, ensuring that both parties were bound by its terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor is it necessarily true that all the legally valid norms of a given system derive their validity from the same basic norm (Raz 1979, 127 129).

SEP

Therefore a norm is legally valid (i.e., authoritative) only if its validity does not derive from moral or other evaluative considerations that the law is intended to replace.

SEP

However, a norm can only be legally valid if it belongs to a system, a legal order, that is by and large actually practiced by a certain population.

SEP

Furthermore, a contract will not be legally valid unless everyone involved is an adult with the legal ability, or "capacity," to enter into a contract.

WikiHow

So the diagnosis isn't legally valid.

The New York Times

Without him, her testimony would not be legally valid.

The Economist

That process winnowed the company's portfolio of legally valid patents.

The New York Times

But for years when they were in power, Republican politicians defended the system as legally valid.

The New York Times

Despite this, the laws are still legally valid because they haven't been repealed.

Independent

That penalty would have to be paid even if the regulation was legally valid.

University of California, Berkeley

"I hereby rule that those claims are not legally valid to excuse current and former White House officials from appearing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting legal documents, ensure that all terms are "legally valid" by cross-referencing with relevant statutes and case law to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming a document or action is "legally valid" without proper verification by a legal professional. Laws and regulations can change, rendering previously valid practices invalid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "legally valid" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun meets the criteria established by law. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable. For example, "legally valid contract".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "legally valid" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that meets the requirements of the law. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in legal, journalistic, and academic contexts. Its purpose is to assert the legal legitimacy of a document, action, or status. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the subject has indeed been verified by a legal professional, as laws and regulations are subject to change. Alternatives include "legally binding", "legally sound", and "lawful".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legally binding

Focuses on the enforceable aspect of a legal agreement.

legally sound

Emphasizes the robustness and correctness from a legal perspective.

legally recognized

Highlights the formal acknowledgment of legal status.

valid under the law

Directly indicates compliance with legal standards.

lawful

A more concise term for being in accordance with the law.

legitimate

Implies conformity to the law or to rules.

permissible by law

Stresses that something is allowed by legal standards.

judicially approved

Specifically indicates approval by a court or judge.

within legal bounds

Highlights actions staying within the limits set by the law.

in compliance with the law

Emphasizes adherence to legal requirements.

FAQs

What does "legally valid" mean?

The term "legally valid" indicates that something is recognized and accepted under the law, possessing legal force and effect.

How do I ensure a contract is "legally valid"?

To ensure a contract is "legally valid", verify that all parties have the capacity to contract, there is mutual agreement, a valid consideration, and that the purpose of the contract is legal. Consulting with a legal professional is recommended.

Are "legally valid" and "legally binding" the same thing?

While related, "legally valid" refers to whether something meets the legal requirements for validity, while "legally binding" refers to whether it creates an obligation enforceable by law. A contract must be both to be fully effective.

What are some synonyms for "legally valid"?

Alternatives to "legally valid" include "legally binding", "legally sound", "legally recognized", and "valid under the law".