Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: LAWFUL
Definition: Lawful means something that is allowed by the law. It is not against the law. For example, if a police officer searches a place according to the law, it is a lawful search. Legal is another word that means the same thing as lawful. It can refer to things that are required or allowed by the law, like carrying a concealed handgun in some states. Legal also means relating to the law itself, not fairness or justice.
Definition: Not contrary to law; permitted by law.
Examples:
The examples illustrate that something that is lawful is allowed by law and does not go against any legal regulations. In the first example, the police officer's search was considered lawful because it was done within the boundaries of the law. In the second example, carrying a concealed handgun is legal in some states, meaning it is permitted by law.