Law

Definition - Noun
[Old English lagu, of Scandinavian origin]
1  : a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority: as
a  : a command or provision enacted by a legislature
see also statute
b  : something (as a judicial decision) authoritatively accorded binding or controlling effect in the administration of justice <that case is no longer the ~ of this circuit>
2 a  : a body of laws <the ~ of a state>
broadly
: laws and justice considered as a general and established entity <the ~ looks with disfavor on restraints on alienation>
b  : See also common law
compare equity
3 a  : the control or authority of the law <maintain ~ and order>
b  : one or more agents or agencies involved in enforcing laws
c  : the application of a law or laws as distinct from considerations of fact <an error of ~>
see also issue of law at issue matter of law at matter question of law at question
4  : the whole body of laws and doctrines relating to one subject <contract ~> <the ~ of attractive nuisance>
5 a  : the legal profession <practice ~>
b  : the nature, use, and effects of laws and legal systems as an area of knowledge or society <the politics of ~>
compare jurisprudence
: under or within the provisions of the law esp. as opposed to equity <a remedy at law>
Pronunciation'lo'

Pronunciation Key

  • \&\ as a and u in a b ut
  • \[^&]\ as e in kitt en
  • \&r\ as ur and er in f urther
  • \a\ as a inash
  • \A\ as a in ace
  • \Š\ as o in m op
  • \au\ as ou in ou t
  • \ch\ as ch in ch in
  • \e\ as e in bet
  • \E\ as ea in easy
  • \g\ as g in go
  • \i\ as i in hit
    		•
  • \I\ as i in ice
  • \j\ as j in job
  • \[ng]\ as ng in sing
  • \O\ as o in go
  • \o\ as aw in law
  • \oi\ as oy in boy
  • \th\ as th in thin
  • \[th_]\ as thin the
  • \Ÿ\ as oo in loot
  • \u\ as oo in foot
  • \y\ as y in yet
  • \zh\ as si in vision
    		•


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    Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001.
    Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
    Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
    http://www.m-w.com    		 Merriam-Webster

    intrinsic fraud

    fraud (as by the use of false or forged documents, false claims, or perjured testimony) that deceives the trier of fact and results in a judgment in favor of the party perpetrating the fraud


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