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positive law

American  

noun

  1. customary law or law enacted by governmental authority (as distinguished fromnatural law ).


Etymology

Origin of positive law

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400


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How does positive-law compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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"Natural" means without the enforcement of positive law, man-made law.

From New York Times ● Jan. 12, 2015

“Freedom Riders” implicitly and ably conveys the powerlessness of positive law in the face of a toxic cultural emotionalism.

From New York Times ● May 15, 2011

If valid, they place all persons within their reach under the obligation of positive law, binding equally those who assent and those who do not assent.

From Time Magazine Archive

He discusses the principles of each and their bearings on education, on positive law, on social conditions, on military strength, offensive and defensive, on individual liberty, on taxation and finance.

From A Short History of French Literature by George Saintsbury

In the compilation which follows our endeavour is simply to set forth positive law as it exists to-day, leaving its correction or development to the proper authorities.

From Marriage and Divorce Laws of the World by Hyacinthe Ringrose

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