color of law

Plain English

Acting under color of law means doing something while claiming or appearing to have legal authority, even if you don't actually have it or are abusing it. A police officer who arrests someone without probable cause is acting under color of law—they're using their badge and authority, even though the arrest is illegal. The term is often used in civil rights cases where government officials abuse their power. It's a way of saying someone hid behind their official position to do something wrong.

Example

A sheriff arrested a man without a warrant and without probable cause, claiming he had the authority to do so. The man sued under federal law for violation of his rights under color of law.

Used in a sentence

“The lawsuit alleged that police officers violated the defendant's civil rights by using excessive force under color of law.”

Related terms