On Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:20:52 -0000, "Norman Wells"
wrote:
>> I have given you the difference between civil and criminal law, which
>> is the distinction that was meant by the words I used. If you want to
>> start nit-picking about whether that is in fact the correct use of the
>> two terms, then I won't indulge you because it is irrelevant.
>Well, it was the point under discussion.
And now you know what I meant, you will be able to address it
accordingly. It is pointless getting into an argument about whether I
used the terms correctly - what I meant is all that is important, and
you now know what that is.
Generally speaking, the word "illegal" is taken to mean contrary to
criminal law, and "unlawful" is taken to mean contrary to laws or
rules other than criminal laws. I suspect that it is not an official
definition, but has become common usage of the two words when
discussing legal issues.
See http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/unlawful?view=uk
--
Cynic
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