That which is lawful is constituted or authorized by law; rightful; conformable to law; allowed by law; legitimate; competent.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) "Lawful" means authorized by law, conformable to law, and legitimate — cite this definition to distinguish lawful authority from mere power exercised without legal sanction.

Where this applies

• A police officer claims the authority to search a car without a warrant, and the motorist demands to know whether the search is 'lawful' — meaning authorized by the constitution and statutes, not merely something the officer has the physical power to do.
• A business is shut down by a city inspector, and the owner asks whether the closure order is 'lawful' — conformable to law and authorized by statute — or just an exercise of raw power without legal backing.
• A parent challenges a school board's decision to exclude her child from class, asking whether the exclusion is 'lawful' in the sense of being authorized by a specific legal provision, not just a policy someone made up.