A rather vague term, whose meaning is something like `contrary to law'. An act is unlawful if the law recognizes that a person who perpetrates it should be prevented from enjoying its benefit. The term `actionable' has a similar meaning, although its use tends to suggest that a CivilLaw action is involved, rather than a criminal prosecution. Criminal acts can be described as unlawful; in this sense the term overlaps with `illegal'.
Law glossary index
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