scope of the law

USAGE SUMMARY

"scope of the law" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the extent or limits of the legal system or regulations. Example: The lawyer argued that the defendant's actions fell within the scope of the law, and therefore, should not be considered a criminal offense.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Socialist government convinced activists to limit the scope of the law to commercial buildings.

The Guardian

Legislation reaffirming the original scope of the law would be the best solution.

The New York Times

E.U. governments and the European Parliament still must agree on whether to broaden the scope of the law.

The New York Times

"It's a reflection over questions about the scope of the law, which the courts and Congress are also dealing with".

The New York Times

The Supreme Court, in Skilling v. United States, limited the scope of the law to cases involving bribes or kickbacks.

The New York Times

The government has not excluded policy advice from the scope of the law entirely, as Whitehall mandarins wanted.

The Economist

But legal experts say the narrowed scope of the law will not prevent the government from prosecuting financial crimes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Some are still trying to work out whether they are caught within the scope of the laws, which apply generally to Australian telecommunications companies.

The Guardian - Tech

Some theorists tried to place epistemic or doxastic restrictions on the scope of the laws, arguing that they enjoined and protected only those who held certain beliefs.

SEP

Civil rights advocates and experts in election law are stunned by the scope of the new law.

The Guardian

The Obama administration has taken action to add some benefits and protections within the scope of the current law.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, clearly define the "scope of the law" to avoid ambiguity. Providing specific examples or case studies can help illustrate the boundaries and applicability of the law in question.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "scope of the law" is universally applicable. Different jurisdictions and circumstances can significantly alter how a law is interpreted and enforced. Always consider the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scope of the law" functions primarily as a noun phrase that defines the boundaries, extent, or range of legal statutes. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in specifying whether actions or situations fall under legal jurisdiction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scope of the law" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the extent or limits of a law's applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. It's crucial to use the phrase accurately to avoid overgeneralization and ensure clarity when discussing legal matters. Related phrases such as "ambit of the law" and "purview of the law" offer semantically similar alternatives, each with slight nuances. Remember to specify the context to avoid ambiguity when discussing legal concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ambit of the law

Replaces "scope" with "ambit", focusing on the range or extent of the law's application.

purview of the law

Uses "purview" instead of "scope", emphasizing what falls under the law's authority or control.

reach of the law

Emphasizes the extent to which the law can affect or influence something.

application of the law

Focuses on how the law is applied in practice and to what situations.

extent of the law

Directly refers to the degree or size of the law's operation.

domain of the law

Highlights the area or sphere of activity governed by the law.

limits of the law

Focuses on the restrictions or boundaries of what the law can do.

provisions of the law

Refers to the specific clauses or articles within the law.

terms of the law

Highlights the conditions and specifications set forth by the law.

legal boundaries

Uses a more general term to indicate the constraints imposed by the legal system.

FAQs

How can I use "scope of the law" in a sentence?

You can use "scope of the law" to discuss the extent to which a particular law applies. For example, "The debate centered on whether the defendant's actions fell within the "scope of the law" concerning fraud."

What's a good alternative to "scope of the law"?

Alternatives include "ambit of the law", "purview of the law", or "reach of the law". All convey a similar idea of the law's extent or applicability.

Which is correct: "scope of the law" or "scope of law"?

"Scope of the law" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Scope of law" is less precise and may sound unnatural in many contexts.

Does "scope of the law" refer to the intentions of lawmakers?

While the intentions of lawmakers can inform the interpretation of the "scope of the law", the phrase itself refers primarily to the actual boundaries and applicability of the law as interpreted by courts and legal professionals.