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Simple English definitions for legal terms
law of the land
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A quick definition of law of the land:
The law of the land refers to all the valid laws that exist in a country or jurisdiction at a particular time. This includes all the rules and regulations that people must follow. The law of the land is always changing as new laws are made and old ones are removed. It is important because it protects people's rights and ensures that everyone is treated fairly. The phrase "law of the land" comes from the Magna Carta, which was a document created a long time ago to protect people's rights.
A more thorough explanation:
The law of the land refers to all the valid laws, whether they are statutory or not, that are in force in a particular country or jurisdiction at a given time. It includes all the laws that are currently in effect and constantly changes as new laws are enacted and old ones are repealed.
The phrase "law of the land" is often used interchangeably with "due process of law." This means that no person can be deprived of their life, liberty, or property without following the proper legal procedures.
For example, the Constitution of North Carolina states that "No person shall be...deprived of his life, liberty, or property, but by the law of the land." This means that any action taken against a person's life, liberty, or property must be done in accordance with the law.
The law of the land clause can be traced back to the Magna Carta, where it was used to protect the rights of individuals against arbitrary actions by the government. It states that "No Freeman shall be taken or imprisoned, or be disseised of his Freehold, or Liberties, or free Customs, or be outlawed, or exiled, or any other wise destroyed; nor will We not pass upon him, nor condemn him, but by lawful judgment of his Peers, or by the Law of the Land."