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Al Norris · June 6, 2010, 05:10 PM

Sefner, if you stick around, you will often see me write that a particular word or phrase is a "term of art" (see this legal definition of the phrase). Such is the phrase, "under color of law."

Tom has a good answer to what the phrase means.

I would add that it means: The appearance of a legal right (action) by a State actor (officer; official; etc.), when no such right (action) actually exists.

It is by it's nature, a civil rights violation.

June 6, 2010, 05:10 PM	#5
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	Sefner, if you stick around, you will often see me write that a particular word or phrase is a "term of art" (see this legal definition of the phrase). Such is the phrase, "under color of law." Tom has a good answer to what the phrase means. I would add that it means: The appearance of a legal right (action) by a State actor (officer; official; etc.), when no such right (action) actually exists. It is by it's nature, a civil rights violation.