point of law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point of law" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a specific legal issue or principle that is being considered or debated. Example: "The judge ruled on the point of law regarding the admissibility of evidence in the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a fine point of law.

The New Yorker

The officials acknowledged that the point of law was ambiguous.

The New York Times

The latest judgment was made on a different point of law but reinforces the basic principle.

Independent

He would, however, contest the prosecutors' accusations on a point of law.

The Economist

The court of appeal can only take decisions on a point of law.

The Guardian - Opinion

UsedSoft thereupon appealed on a point of law to the Bundesgerichtshof (Federal Court of Justice).

Harvard University

Appeals have to be based on a fresh point of law.

The Guardian

But it is usually on a point of law or procedure.

The Guardian

There are good prospects for the state to appeal on a point of law.

The Guardian

The appeal is being run on a particularly technical point of law.

The Guardian

Its chief executive, Dr Keith McNeil, said: "Today's ruling hinges on a specific point of law.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "point of law" in legal writing, ensure you clearly identify the specific legal rule, statute, or precedent at issue to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "point of law" when you're actually referring to a factual dispute. A "point of law" concerns the application or interpretation of legal rules, whereas a "point of fact" relates to the evidence and circumstances of a case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of law" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., on a point of law) or as a subject complement. Ludwig's examples confirm its use to denote a specific legal issue or principle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "point of law" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, primarily found in legal and academic contexts. Ludwig confirms its accuracy and typical application in discussions concerning legal issues and principles. It's commonly used when specifying the basis for an appeal or limiting the scope of a legal argument, differentiating it from factual disputes. As demonstrated by Ludwig, authoritative sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist often employ the phrase, solidifying its place in formal and neutral communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

legal issue

Replaces "point" with a more direct term for a contested area of law.

legal principle

Emphasizes the underlying rule or doctrine at stake.

matter of law

Highlights that the issue is determined by legal standards, not facts.

question of law

Frames the "point" as a question requiring legal interpretation.

legal argument

Focuses on the presentation of a case based on legal reasoning.

legal technicality

Underscores the minute, intricate, or sometimes seemingly unimportant aspects of the law.

basis of appeal

Highlights the foundation for a legal appeal.

ground for appeal

Indicates the reason a decision is being appealed.

legal contention

Highlights an argument or assertion made in legal proceedings.

area of legal dispute

Broadly indicates a disagreement or conflict in legal interpretation or application.

FAQs

How is "point of law" typically used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "point of law" refers to a specific legal issue or principle that requires interpretation or application by a court. It often arises during appeals where the focus is on whether the lower court correctly applied the law.

What's the difference between a "point of law" and a "point of fact"?

A "point of law" involves the interpretation or application of a legal rule, while a "point of fact" concerns the evidence and circumstances of a case. For instance, whether a contract exists is a point of fact, but whether its terms are enforceable is a "point of law".

Can I appeal a case based on a "point of law"?

Yes, appeals are often based on alleged errors in the application or interpretation of the law. Appealing on a "point of law" means arguing that the lower court made a legal mistake, not that it incorrectly assessed the facts.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "point of law"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "legal issue", "legal principle", or "question of law" to convey a similar meaning.