Definitions

color of law - Legal Definition

n

The conduct of a police officer, judge, or another person clothed with governmental authority that, although it superficially appears to be within the individual’s lawful power, is actually in contravention of the law. For example, a police officer who makes a false arrest while on duty, or while off duty but when they are wearing a uniform or badge, is acting under color of law. In some circumstances, the phrase also applies to the conduct of private individuals that is specifically authorized or approved by a statute. Depriving a person of his or her federal civil rights under color of law is, in and of itself, a federal crime and a ground for a cause of action. Also called under color of law. If the conduct violates a federal civil right or criminal law, it is also called state action. See also color of title.

  • Menu
  • Dictionary
    • Dictionary
    • YD Original
    • Webster's
    • American Heritage
    • Wiktionary
    • Ologies
    • Computer
    • Invest
    • Law
  • Thesaurus
  • Examples
    • See in a sentence
    • Example articles
  • Quotes
    • Famous Quotes
    • Quote Articles
  • Flash Cards
  • Spanish
    • Spanish-English Translation
    • Reference
  • Reference
    • Education
    • ESL
    • Grammar
    • Abbreviations
    • Biography
    • Books & Literature
    • Examples
    • Foreign Languages
    • Resources
    • Slideshows
  • Word Finder
    • Word Finder
    • 4 Pics 1 Word Answers
    • Word Game Dictionary
    • Unscramble
    • Words With Friends Cheat
Share
  • Menu
  • Dictionary
    • Dictionary
    • YD Original
    • Webster's
    • American Heritage
    • Wiktionary
    • Ologies
    • Computer
    • Invest
    • Law
  • Thesaurus
  • Examples
    • See in a sentence
    • Example articles
  • Quotes
    • Famous Quotes
    • Quote Articles
  • Flash Cards
  • Spanish
    • Spanish-English Translation
    • Reference
  • Reference
    • Education
    • ESL
    • Grammar
    • Abbreviations
    • Biography
    • Books & Literature
    • Examples
    • Foreign Languages
    • Resources
    • Slideshows
  • Word Finder
    • Word Finder
    • 4 Pics 1 Word Answers
    • Word Game Dictionary
    • Unscramble
    • Words With Friends Cheat
Share
  • Home
  • Dictionary Definitions
  • color of law

Also Mentioned In


  • spot color
  • 24-bit color
  • color palette
  • 16-bit color
  • concolorous
  • color-blind
  • true color
  • color-blindness
  • xvYCC
  • of-color

Words near color of law in the dictionary


  • color mode
  • color model
  • color monitor
  • color-octet
  • color of law
  • color of title
  • color palette
  • color pallet
  • color pallette
  • color phase

Follow YourDictionary

Join YourDictionary today

Create and save customized flash cards. Sign up today and start improving your vocabulary!

Please set a username for yourself.
People will see it as Author Name with your public flash cards.