legality

[lee-gal-i-tee]

noun

plural

legalities 

1. the state or quality of being in conformity with the law; lawfulness.

   Synonyms: validity, legitimacy

2. attachment to or observance of law.

3. Usually legalities. a duty or obligation imposed by law.

4. Theology.,  reliance on good works for salvation rather than on free grace.

legality

/ lɪˈɡælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being legal or lawful

2. adherence to legal principles

Other Word Forms

• pseudolegality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of legality¹

1425–75; late Middle English legalite < Medieval Latin lēgālitās. See legal, -ity

Example Sentences

But they must first deal with the legalities of their bequest.

Read more on MarketWatch

The Supreme Court’s decision on the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act could impact future trade policy.

Read more on Barron's

In later hearings, it came to light that Halligan never showed the full indictment to the grand jury that indicted Comey in September, which called the legality of the case into question.

Read more on Salon

The judge concluded there were "serious doubts" over the legality of the certificate, a statement from the Paris court said, adding the decision was provisional until a final judgment is delivered.

Read more on BBC

The father and daughter challenged the legality of the teaching of RE and the practice of collective worship in the primary school which she attended between the ages of four and seven.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• validity