Legal vs. Lawful: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Legal pertains to compliance with established laws, while lawful refers to being in accordance with law, often implying a moral or ethical aspect.
Key Differences
Legal refers to what is permitted by the specific laws of a jurisdiction, involving formal rules established by authorities. Lawful, on the other hand, implies a broader sense of adherence to law, often including an ethical dimension. Legal actions are those sanctioned by a specific legal system, while lawful actions are those that are not forbidden by law and often considered morally right.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
While legal strictly adheres to written laws, lawful encompasses a wider scope of being within the bounds of law, including unwritten ethical standards. Something legal is explicitly allowed under the law, whereas something lawful aligns with the general principles of law, including fairness and justice.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Legal issues often involve technicalities and interpretations of law, focusing on what is explicitly stated. Lawful, however, delves into the spirit of the law, considering ethical implications. A legal decision is based on statutes and legal precedent, while a lawful decision considers the overall righteousness and morality within the legal context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
The term legal is often used in a more specific, technical context, such as legal procedures or legal terminology, while lawful is used in a broader, more general sense. Legal matters often require specialized knowledge of the law, whereas lawful behavior is understood in a more general, societal context.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
In legal discussions, something can be legal but not necessarily lawful in a moral sense, and vice versa. An action might be legal (permitted by law) but not lawful (ethically or morally wrong), highlighting the nuances between the two concepts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Basis of Definition
Pertains to written laws and statutes.
Involves adherence to both written and unwritten ethical standards.
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Nov 19, 2023
Focus
Specific to the rules of a legal system.
Broad, encompassing moral and ethical dimensions.
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Nov 19, 2023
Context of Use
Often used in technical, legal contexts.
Used in broader, more general discussions.
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Nov 19, 2023
Ethical Implications
May not always include ethical considerations.
Implies ethical or moral righteousness.
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Nov 19, 2023
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Legal and Lawful Definitions
Legal
Sanctioned or permitted by law.
The legal sale of alcohol is regulated by the government.
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Nov 19, 2023
Lawful
Conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules.
Lawful employment is critical to maintaining a stable society.
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Nov 19, 2023
Legal
Recognized or enforced by a legal system.
Legal procedures must be followed to ensure fairness in the trial.
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Nov 19, 2023
Lawful
Authorized or based on law.
He was exercising his lawful right to free speech.
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Nov 19, 2023
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Lawful
Morally and ethically right within the framework of the law.
His actions were considered lawful, despite being unpopular.
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Nov 19, 2023
Legal
Established legally other than by statute, as by a judicial opinion
A legal authority.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lawful
(legal) Conforming to, or recognised by the laws of society.
Lawful money is always a land asset and can only be issued by an actual land jurisdiction government — not a corporation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lawful
Constituted or authorized by law; rightful; as, the lawful owner of lands.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lawful
Having a legally established claim;
The legitimate heir
The true and lawful king
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Oct 19, 2023
Lawful
Authorized, sanctioned by, or in accordance with law;
A legitimate government
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Oct 19, 2023
Lawful
Legitimately established by the rules of law.
The lawful transfer of property requires thorough documentation.
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Nov 19, 2023
Lawful
In alignment with both legal statutes and ethical standards.
Lawful behavior is expected from all government officials.
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Nov 19, 2023
Legal
Following the rules or syntax of a system, such as a game or a programming language.
If you have no legal move, but are not in check the game is a draw.
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Oct 19, 2023
Legal
(of paper or document layouts) Measuring 8½ in × 14 in (215.9 mm × 355.6 mm) (also legal-size).
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Oct 19, 2023
Legal
(countable) A spy who is attached to, and ostensibly employed by, an embassy, military outpost, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Legal
Created by, permitted by, in conformity with, or relating to, law; as, a legal obligation; a legal standard or test; a legal procedure; a legal claim; a legal trade; anything is legal which the laws do not forbid.
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Oct 19, 2023
Legal
According to the law of works, as distinguished from free grace; or resting on works for salvation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Legal
Governed by the rules of law as distinguished from the rules of equity; as, legal estate; legal assets.
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Oct 19, 2023
Legal
Relating to or characteristic of the profession of law;
The legal profession
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Oct 19, 2023
Legal
Pertaining to law or established legal systems.
Legal advice is essential when dealing with contractual disputes.
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Nov 19, 2023
Legal
Relating to the study or practice of law.
She pursued a legal career after graduating from law school.
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Nov 19, 2023
Legal
In accordance with the law, not forbidden or penalized.
Running a legal business requires understanding various regulations.
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Nov 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can something be legal but not lawful?
Yes, if it's allowed by law but considered unethical or immoral.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Are legal decisions always lawful?
Not necessarily, as legal decisions might not consider moral aspects.
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Nov 19, 2023
What makes something legal?
Legal means it complies with specific laws or statutes of a jurisdiction.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can lawful actions ever be illegal?
Rarely, as lawful implies compliance with both legal and ethical standards.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can legal advice be unlawful?
Unlikely, as legal advice should adhere to both legal and ethical norms.
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Nov 19, 2023
What does 'lawful authority' mean?
Authority granted and recognized by law and often ethically sound.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is lawful the same as legal?
Not exactly; lawful includes a broader, often ethical, dimension.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does legal always mean just?
Not always, as legal is based on law, which may not always be just.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is every lawful act also legal?
Generally, yes, since lawful acts align with legal and moral principles.
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Nov 19, 2023
What is the role of ethics in lawful behavior?
Ethics underpin the moral aspect of what is considered lawful.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can a law be lawful but not legal?
No, as legality is a prerequisite for something to be considered lawful.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Does lawful imply fairness?
Often, as it encompasses ethical considerations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Are legal systems always lawful?
In principle, yes, but they may not always uphold moral standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is breaking a law always unlawful?
Generally, since it goes against legal and ethical norms.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can legal actions be unethical?
Yes, if they adhere to law but ignore moral principles.
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Nov 19, 2023
Do legal professionals always act lawfully?
Ideally, but not necessarily, as personal ethics vary.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does lawful behavior require legal knowledge?
Not extensive knowledge, but a basic understanding of legal and ethical norms.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can a lawful act be challenged legally?
Yes, if it conflicts with specific legal statutes or interpretations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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