court of law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal
Quick answer
What does “court of law” mean?
An official tribunal or forum established by governmental authority for administering justice, typically presided over by a judge or judges.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official tribunal or forum established by governmental authority for administering justice, typically presided over by a judge or judges.
The entire institution of the judicial system, or the formal processes and physical location where legal disputes are adjudicated according to established laws and procedures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; the institution is identical in function. 'Court' alone is more common in both dialects. The full phrase 'court of law' is used for emphasis on formality.
Connotations
In both, it connotes formality, authority, and the rule of law. In British usage, it may historically evoke more traditional imagery of wigs and robes.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency in formal legal and general contexts. 'Courtroom' is a more frequent alternative for the physical space.
Grammar
How to Use “court of law” in a Sentence
[bring something] before a court of law[be subject/answerable] to a court of law[a decision/ruling] of a court of lawVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “court of law” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The matter was courted in a proper court of law.
- They sought to have it courted of law.
American English
- The case was adjudicated in a court of law.
- They will have to court it in a court of law.
adverb
British English
- The decision was made court-of-law properly.
- It was settled court-of-law.
American English
- It was adjudicated court-of-law.
- They proceeded court-of-law.
adjective
British English
- He sought a court-of-law ruling.
- The court-of-law procedure was followed.
American English
- She obtained a court-of-law order.
- It was a formal court-of-law matter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contracts and compliance, e.g., 'Disputes shall be settled in a court of law.'
Academic
Used in legal, political science, and sociological texts discussing institutions and the rule of law.
Everyday
Used for emphasis in general discussion, e.g., 'This needs to be decided in a proper court of law, not online.'
Technical
A precise term in legal documents and proceedings to specify the formal judicial venue.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “court of law”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “court of law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “court of law”
- Using 'court of law' to refer to a sports court (tennis court). Using it redundantly when 'court' would suffice (e.g., 'the court of law ruled...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Court of law' refers to the institution or legal forum itself. 'Courtroom' specifically refers to the physical room where proceedings are held.
Use the full phrase for emphasis on formality, legitimacy, and the rule of law, often to contrast with informal dispute resolution. In most cases, 'court' is sufficient.
Yes, it can refer to any officially constituted judicial body, from a local magistrate's court to a supreme court, provided it administers law formally.
Its primary function is to adjudicate legal disputes, interpret and apply the law, and administer justice through formal, binding decisions.
An official tribunal or forum established by governmental authority for administering justice, typically presided over by a judge or judges.
Court of law is usually formal, legal in register.
Court of law: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːt əv ˈlɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːrt əv ˈlɔː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “day in court”
- “take someone to court”
- “laughing out of court”
- “contempt of court”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a royal COURT where the only rule is the LAW. The king (judge) enforces the LAW in his COURT. Court of Law = a place governed by law.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE LAW IS A THEATRE (with judges, a stage/courtroom, actors/lawyers, and a script/procedure).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is most synonymous with 'court of law' in a formal context?