Illegal
Defined in 6 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910), Black's (1891), Anderson (1889)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
Contrary to law. Not ss Tionymous with unlawful (q. v.).
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
Contrary to law; unlawful.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Not authorized by law; illicit; unlawful; contrary to law. Sometimes this term means merely that which lacks authority of or support from law; but more frequently it imports a violation. Etymologically, the word seems to convey the negative meaning only. But in ordinary use it has a severer, stronger signification; the idea of censure or condemnation for breaking law is usually presented. But the law implied in illegal is not necessarily an express statute. Things are called "illegal" for a violation of common-law principles. And the term does not imply that the act spoken of is immoral or wicked; it implies only a breach of the law. See State v. Haynorth, 3 Sneed (Tenn.) 65; Tiedt v. Carstensen, 61 Iowa, 334, 16 N. W. 214; Chadboume v. Newcastle, 48 N. H. 199; People v. Kelly, 1 Abb. Prae. N. S., (N. Y.) 437; Ex parte Scwartz, 2 Tex. App. 80.
— Illegal conditions. A11 those that are impossible, or contrary to law, immoral, or repugnant to the nature of the transaction.
— Hr legal contract. An agreement to do any act forbidden by the law, or to omit to do any act enjoined by the law. Billingsley v. Clelland, 41 W. Va. 243, 23 S. E. 816,
— Illegal interest. Usury; interest at a higher rate than the law allows. Parsons v. Babcock, 40 Neb. 119, 58 N. W. 726.
— Illegal trade. Such traffic or commerce as is carried on in violation of the municipal law, or contrary to the law of nations. See Illicit.
A Dictionary of Law
Henry Campbell Black · 1891
Not authorized by law; illicit; unlawful; contrary to law. Sometimes this term means merely that which lacks authority of or support from law; but more frequently it imports a violation. Etymologically, the word seems to convey the negative meaning only. But in ordinary use it has a severer, stronger signification; the idea of censure or condemnation for breaking law is usually presented. But the law implied in illegal is not necessarily an express statute. Things are called "illegal" for violation of common-law principles. And the term does not imply that the act spoken of is immoral or wicked; it implies only a breach of the law. 1 Abb. Pr. (N. S.) 432; 45 N. H. 196; Id. 311; 3 Sneed, 64.
A Dictionary of Law
William C. Anderson · 1889
See Legal; Eeuor, 3 (2), Erroneous.