Color of law
Color of law: The appearance of legal authority. A person acts "under color of law" when he or she uses power held because of a government position, even if the act goes beyond that power. Depriving someone of federal rights under color of law can lead to a civil suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 or federal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 242.
What color of law means
In practice, you will see color of law in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where color of law comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
To research color of law, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Code of judicial conduct: a written set of ethics rules for judges, organized under broad canons.
- Coercion: using force, threats or other pressure to make someone act against their will. A contract or other agreement obtained by improper threats can be voidable for duress (Restatement (Second) of Contracts § 175). Many coercive acts are also crimes, such as extortion and coercing a person by threats of violence.
- Collateral: property pledged to secure payment of a debt or performance of an obligation. If the debtor defaults, the secured party may be able to take or sell the collateral. Under UCC § 9-102(a)(12), collateral is the property subject to a security interest or agricultural lien.
- Collateral estoppel: issue preclusion: when an issue of fact or law is actually litigated and determined by a valid and final judgment, and the determination is essential to the judgment, it is generally conclusive in a later action between the parties, whether on the same or a different claim (Restatement (Second) of Judgments § 27).
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.