Legal Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Legal, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Legal?

(adj) The qualification ‘Legal’ is used to denote a situation when the action referred is not contravening any provisions or regulations containing in the law of the land

History and Meaning of Legal

The term 'legal' is derived from the Latin word 'legalis' which means something that pertains to the law. The term is used to indicate that any action or decision conforms to the laws and regulations governing a particular jurisdiction. This term is therefore commonly used in legal settings to establish whether an action, transaction, or contract is permitted by law or not.

Examples of Legal

  1. The sale of alcohol to someone who is 18 years or above is legal in most states in the US.
  2. Hiring a lawyer to represent you in court is legal and is common among most individuals who wish to represent themselves in court.
  3. A company creating terms of service that comply with the laws and regulations of a particular country is a legal requirement.
  4. A landlord evicting a tenant legally would involve following the specific eviction procedures laid out by the laws of their state.

Legal Terms Similar to Legal

  1. Lawful - refers to an action or decision that is authorized or justified by law.
  2. Valid - refers to a contract or agreement that is legally binding and enforceable in court.
  3. Authorized - refers to actions or decisions that have been approved by legal or official authorities.
  4. Legitimate - refers to an action, process, or behavior that is lawful or recognized by law.
  5. Compliant - refers to an action or decision that follows the relevant laws or regulations in a given jurisdiction.