Legal Vocabulary: Illegal vs. Illegitimate vs. Illicit vs. Unlawful
Illegal vs. Illegitimate vs. Illicit vs. Unlawful
“All of the above describe actions that are not in accord with the law. However, there are some differences in the meaning among the words. Illegal refers most specifically to violations of statutes or codified rules: illegal seizure of property.
Illegitimate means lacking legal or traditional rights: illegitimate use of privileged information.
Illicit most often applies to matters regulated by law with emphasis on the way things are carried out: illicit conversion of property.
Unlawful means not sanctioned by law: an unlawful claim to an inheritance.” From, Abused, Confused & Misused Words” By: Mary Embree
Here are some Briefs:
Option #1: illegal= ILG
Option #2: illegal= IL/LAOEL
Option #1: illegitimate= JIT
Option #2: illegitimate= IL/JIT
Option #1: illicit= IL/LIS/IT
Option #2: illicit= IL/L*IFT
Option #1: unlawful= UN/LAUFL
Option #2: unlawful= NAUFL
