Unlawful vs illegal: two words that are often used interchangeably, but are they really the same thing? Let’s take a closer look at these two words and their meanings.
Unlawful and illegal are often used to describe actions or behaviors that are not allowed by law. However, there is a subtle difference between the two words.
Unlawful means something is not authorized or sanctioned by law. In other words, it is against the law because there is no provision for it in the legal system. Illegal, on the other hand, means something is expressly prohibited by law. It is against the law because there is a specific law or statute that makes it so.
So, while unlawful and illegal may seem similar, they have different legal meanings. Understanding the difference between these two words is important, especially when it comes to legal matters.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the nuances of unlawful and illegal, and how they are used in various contexts.
Define Unlawful
Unlawful refers to something that is not authorized or permitted by law. It is an act that is prohibited by law and can result in legal consequences. The term unlawful is often used to describe actions that are considered to be morally wrong or unethical, but not necessarily criminal.
For example, if a person enters a private property without permission, they have committed an unlawful act. Similarly, if a company violates a government regulation, it is considered an unlawful act.
Unlawful acts can be classified as civil or criminal offenses, depending on the severity of the act and the jurisdiction in which it was committed. Civil offenses are typically punished with fines or other penalties, while criminal offenses can result in imprisonment or other more severe punishments.
Define Illegal
Illegal refers to something that is prohibited by law and is considered a criminal offense. It is an act that is punishable by law and can result in imprisonment or other legal penalties.
For example, if a person sells drugs, it is considered an illegal act. Similarly, if a company engages in fraudulent activities, it is also considered an illegal act.
Illegal acts are typically classified as felonies or misdemeanors, depending on the severity of the crime and the jurisdiction in which it was committed. Felonies are more serious crimes that are punishable by more than one year in prison, while misdemeanors are less serious crimes that are punishable by up to one year in jail.
| Unlawful | Illegal |
|---|---|
| Not authorized or permitted by law | Prohibited by law and considered a criminal offense |
| Can result in legal consequences, but not necessarily criminal | Can result in imprisonment or other legal penalties |
| Can be classified as civil or criminal offenses | Typically classified as felonies or misdemeanors |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, choosing the right word is essential to convey the intended meaning. Two words that are often confused are “unlawful” and “illegal.” While they may seem interchangeable, there are distinct differences between the two.
How To Use “Unlawful” In A Sentence
“Unlawful” refers to something that is not authorized or permitted by law. It is used to describe actions or behaviors that are prohibited by law, but not necessarily punishable by criminal penalties. Here are a few examples:
- It is unlawful to discriminate against an employee based on their gender.
- The company engaged in unlawful business practices to gain a competitive advantage.
- The landlord’s attempt to evict the tenant without proper notice was deemed unlawful.
As you can see, “unlawful” is typically used to describe actions or behaviors that are prohibited by law, but not necessarily criminal. It is important to note that “unlawful” does not carry the same weight as “illegal.”
How To Use “Illegal” In A Sentence
“Illegal” refers to something that is against the law and is punishable by criminal penalties. It is used to describe actions or behaviors that are prohibited by law, and can result in fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences. Here are a few examples:
- It is illegal to possess drugs without a valid prescription.
- The company engaged in illegal activities to avoid paying taxes.
- The driver was arrested for illegal street racing.
As you can see, “illegal” is used to describe actions or behaviors that are prohibited by law and carry criminal penalties. It is important to use “illegal” when referring to actions that are criminal in nature, rather than “unlawful.”
More Examples Of Unlawful & Illegal Used In Sentences
Understanding the difference between unlawful and illegal is important for clear communication. Here are some examples of how to use these words in sentences:
Examples Of Using Unlawful In A Sentence
- It is unlawful to discriminate against employees based on their age.
- The company’s practices were deemed unlawful by the court.
- Protesting without a permit is considered unlawful.
- The landlord’s attempt to evict the tenant without proper notice was unlawful.
- Unlawful possession of a firearm is a serious crime.
- It is unlawful to use someone else’s copyrighted material without permission.
- Driving without a license is an unlawful act.
- Unlawful detention by law enforcement is a violation of civil rights.
- The company’s use of deceptive advertising was declared unlawful.
- Unlawful entry into a building is considered trespassing.
Examples Of Using Illegal In A Sentence
- It is illegal to sell tobacco products to minors.
- Drug trafficking is an illegal activity.
- Illegal immigration has been a controversial topic for years.
- Using someone else’s social security number is considered illegal.
- Illegal dumping of hazardous waste can harm the environment.
- It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Illegal possession of drugs can result in serious consequences.
- Illegally downloading copyrighted material is a violation of the law.
- Illegal gambling can lead to criminal charges.
- It is illegal to use a fake ID to purchase alcohol.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
It’s easy to confuse the words “unlawful” and “illegal” as they are often used interchangeably. However, they have different meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words and how to avoid them:
Using “Illegal” When “Unlawful” Should Be Used
One common mistake is using “illegal” when “unlawful” should be used. “Illegal” refers to something that is against the law, while “unlawful” means something that is not authorized by law. For example, parking in a no-parking zone is illegal, but it’s not necessarily unlawful unless there is a law specifically prohibiting it.
Using “Unlawful” When “Illegal” Should Be Used
Another mistake is using “unlawful” when “illegal” should be used. “Unlawful” refers to something that is not authorized by law, while “illegal” means something that is against the law. For example, using illegal drugs is illegal, but it’s not necessarily unlawful unless there is a law specifically prohibiting it.
Using Them Interchangeably
Finally, people often use “unlawful” and “illegal” interchangeably, which can cause confusion and inaccuracies. It’s important to use the correct term depending on the context and meaning.
Tips To Avoid Confusion
To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between “unlawful” and “illegal” and use them appropriately. Here are some tips:
- Read and understand the definitions of each word.
- Consider the context in which you are using the word.
- Consult a legal dictionary or expert if you are unsure.
Context Matters
When it comes to using the terms unlawful and illegal, context is key. Depending on the situation, one term may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some different contexts and how the choice between unlawful and illegal might change.
Legal Context
In a legal context, the term unlawful is often used to describe actions that are not permitted by law. For example, if someone is found to be in possession of a firearm without the proper license, their actions would be considered unlawful. On the other hand, the term illegal is typically used to describe actions that are prohibited by law. For instance, if someone were to rob a bank, their actions would be considered illegal. In this context, the terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference in meaning.
Immigration Context
When it comes to immigration, the choice between unlawful and illegal can have a significant impact. In this context, the term illegal is often used to describe individuals who have entered a country without proper documentation. However, the term unlawful is often used to describe individuals who have overstayed their visas. The distinction is important because individuals who are considered unlawful may still have legal options available to them, such as applying for asylum or seeking a waiver. In contrast, individuals who are considered illegal may face more severe consequences, such as being deported.
Moral Context
Finally, in a moral context, the choice between unlawful and illegal can depend on the speaker’s values and beliefs. For example, some people may argue that using drugs is illegal but not necessarily immoral, while others may argue that it is both illegal and immoral. In this context, the terms are often used to express a moral judgment rather than a legal one.
| Context | Unlawful | Illegal |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | Actions that are not permitted by law | Actions that are prohibited by law |
| Immigration | Individuals who have overstayed their visas | Individuals who have entered a country without proper documentation |
| Moral | May be used to express a moral judgment | May be used to express a moral judgment |
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “unlawful” and “illegal” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Let’s take a look at some of these exceptions:
1. Legal Context
One exception is in the legal context, where “unlawful” and “illegal” can have specific meanings. For example, in criminal law, “illegal” typically refers to actions that are prohibited by law and can result in criminal charges. “Unlawful,” on the other hand, can refer to actions that are not necessarily criminal but are still prohibited by law. This can include things like violating a court order or breaching a contract.
Here’s an example: Let’s say a person is caught stealing a car. This action would be considered illegal because it is a criminal offense. However, if a person violates a court order to stay away from a certain person, this would be considered unlawful but not necessarily illegal.
2. Regional Differences
Another exception is that the usage of “unlawful” and “illegal” can vary depending on the region or country. For example, in some countries, the term “unlawful” is used more frequently than “illegal.” In other places, the two terms might be used interchangeably.
Here’s an example: In the United States, the term “illegal” is often used to describe undocumented immigrants. However, in some other countries, the term “unlawful” might be used instead.
3. Technical Context
Finally, in technical contexts, “unlawful” and “illegal” might have specific meanings that differ from their general usage. For example, in computer science, “illegal” might refer to an operation that violates the rules of a programming language, while “unlawful” might refer to an operation that violates a copyright or patent law.
Here’s an example: Let’s say a programmer writes a program that copies code from another program without permission. This action would be considered unlawful because it violates copyright law. However, if the programmer writes code that violates the rules of a programming language, this would be considered illegal.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the difference between unlawful and illegal, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word to fill in the blank in each sentence:
- It is __________ to park in a handicapped spot without a permit.
- The company was fined for __________ dumping of hazardous waste.
- The police arrested the suspect for __________ possession of a firearm.
- The judge ruled that the search was __________ and the evidence was inadmissible.
Answer key:
- illegal
- unlawful
- illegal
- unlawful
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Usage
Read each sentence and identify if the word unlawful or illegal is used correctly:
- The company was sued for illegal business practices.
- The defendant’s unlawful actions resulted in a prison sentence.
- The police obtained an illegal search warrant.
- The judge ruled that the arrest was unlawful and the charges were dropped.
Answer key:
- correct
- correct
- incorrect (should be unlawful)
- correct
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of unlawful and illegal in sentences. Remember, it’s important to use these terms correctly to avoid confusion and accurately convey meaning.
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances between the words “unlawful” and “illegal,” it is clear that they cannot be used interchangeably. While both words refer to actions that are against the law, “unlawful” specifically refers to actions that violate a legal code, while “illegal” refers to actions that are prohibited by law.
It is important to understand the difference between these two words to ensure clear and accurate communication. Misusing them can lead to confusion and misunderstanding in legal and non-legal contexts alike.
As with any aspect of language use, it is important to continue learning and improving our grammar skills. By doing so, we can better convey our ideas and intentions to those around us.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.