under current law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under current law" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is happening or will happen in accordance with the current laws that are in effect at the time. For example: - "Under current law, same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states." - "The company's actions are in compliance with all regulations under current law." - "Under current law, individuals are required to pay taxes on all income earned within the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not under current law.

The New York Times

Under current law, neither.

The New York Times

Under current law, participation is mandatory.

The New York Times

Those are already illegal under current law.

The New York Times

Under current law, they're right.

The New York Times

Under current law, there's no question: yes.

The New York Times

Under current law, mediation is voluntary.

The New York Times

Well, yes, under current law we do.

The New York Times

Under current law, all members must ratify every new treaty.

The Economist

Under current law, Congress must determine any increases.

The New York Times

(Under current law, most legislators are chosen by party secretaries).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "under current law" to clearly specify that your statement is based on the existing legal statutes at the time of writing. This avoids ambiguity and ensures accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "under current law" when discussing hypothetical or proposed legislation. This phrase is specifically for describing the present legal state, not future possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under current law" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a statement, specifying that the information is accurate and relevant within the framework of existing legal statutes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under current law" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to provide a legal context for a statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its primary function is to clarify that a statement is based on existing legal statutes, thereby ensuring accuracy and avoiding ambiguity. The phrase maintains a neutral to professional register and is predominantly found in news and media sources. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure you're referring to existing laws, not hypothetical or proposed ones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the law stands

Focuses on the present state or condition of the law.

according to existing legislation

Highlights that the action or situation is governed by current legal statutes.

in accordance with the law as it is

Emphasizes compliance with the current legal framework.

pursuant to the prevailing legal code

A more formal way of saying something is done following the established legal rules.

given the current legal framework

Highlights the existing legal conditions that influence a decision or action.

in the present legal climate

Describes the existing legal environment and its impact.

by virtue of existing statutes

Suggests that the legal foundation is based on particular established laws.

under the existing legal regime

Focuses on the overall system of laws and regulations currently in effect.

as per the current regulations

Specifically points to rules and guidelines currently in place.

subject to the laws in force

Indicates that actions are governed by the laws that are currently active and enforceable.

FAQs

How can I use "under current law" in a sentence?

Use "under current law" to indicate that a statement or action is based on the laws currently in effect. For instance, "Under current law, the maximum penalty for this offense is five years in prison".

What's the difference between "under current law" and "according to the law"?

"Under current law" specifies that you are referring to the present legal statutes, while "according to the law" is more general and could refer to legal principles or historical laws. Use "under current law" when the timing of the law is relevant.

What are some alternatives to saying "under current law"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "as the law stands", "according to existing legislation", or "in accordance with the law as it is".

Is it necessary to specify "current" when referring to the law?

Specifying "current" clarifies that you are discussing the law as it exists now, especially in fields where laws frequently change. It avoids confusion with outdated or proposed legislation.