constitutional
Consistent with or authorized by a constitution
Examples
In a meeting
“Legal is reviewing whether this policy change is constitutional under state law.”
Over coffee
“I don't think it's constitutional for them to restrict free speech like that.”
Why this word
legal
Constitutional specifically means in accordance with a constitution's fundamental principles, while legal just means permitted by any law
lawful
Constitutional relates to consistency with fundamental governing principles in a constitution, while lawful means conforming to any established law
legitimate
Constitutional means authorized by or consistent with constitutional provisions, while legitimate broadly means valid or in accordance with rules
Usage tip
Use when discussing legal challenges or legitimacy of laws and actions. Can refer to any organization's constitution, not just national ones.
Etymology
Latin 'constituere' (establish) + '-al' (relating to) — relating to established law
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Related words
nullify
To make something legally void or completely ineffective
enjoin
To legally prohibit or order someone to do or not do something
proscribe
To officially forbid or condemn something
severability
The legal principle that if one part of a contract is invalid, the rest remains enforceable
quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for valid proceedings
recuse
To remove oneself from a decision due to conflict of interest or bias