Illegal v. Unlawful

[Tecumsehsbones]

Can we come to some kind of agreement on the difference between "illegal" and "unlawful?"

I propose the following. . .

"Illegal" means in violation of the criminal law, subjecting the violator to loss of life, liberty, or property upon being duly convicted.

"Unlawful" means "not in accordance with, or specifically against, the law, but not a criminal offense."

Examples: It's illegal to take somebody's car without permission. It's unlawful for the President or PM to unilaterally declare National Dachshund Day on May 13.

 

[Ron in Regina]

Until 30 seconds ago, I thought the two terms were interchangeable. Learn something new every day here.

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Until 30 seconds ago, I thought the two terms were interchangeable. Learn something new every day here.

They are, or at least can be. I'm proposing these definitions for this board, for clarity's sake.

 

[Jinentonix]

Illegal = criminal prosecution

Unlawful = A fineable offence.

Example- Speeding= get a ticket. Speeding from the police = you're fucked.

That's how I'd separate them. But then would unlawful entry just be a fineable offence as opposed to break and enter or are those two interchangeable?

 

[Tecumsehsbones]

Illegal = criminal prosecution

Unlawful = A fineable offence.

Example- Speeding= get a ticket. Speeding from the police = you're fucked.

That's how I'd separate them. But then would unlawful entry just be a fineable offence as opposed to break and enter or are those two interchangeable?

Precisely. I'm suggesting this only for the purposes of our discussions on this board. The lawmakers of our countries have tangled the two terms for their own purposes, even in the language of statutes.

Would you agree with me that "illegal" carries a worse connotation than "unlawful?"

 

[Jinentonix]

Precisely. I'm suggesting this only for the purposes of our discussions on this board. The lawmakers of our countries have tangled the two terms for their own purposes, even in the language of statutes.

Would you agree with me that "illegal" carries a worse connotation than "unlawful?"

That's my impression. Illegal = crime, unlawful = fine.

 

[petros]

Where does ellegal fit in? I hear it almost daily.