lei
1. A system of rules and regulations established by a government or authority; law in its general sense
The lex of the land must be respected by all citizens.
A lei da terra deve ser respeitada por todos os cidadãos.
2. In legal contexts, a specific law or statute
The new lex was passed by Congress last month.
A nova lei foi aprovada pelo Congresso no mês passado.
3. In Latin legal terminology, referring to Roman law or a specific legal code
Lex Romana influenced modern European legal systems.
A Lex Romana influenciou os sistemas legais europeus modernos.
Lex is primarily used in formal, academic, and legal contexts, often retained from Latin in legal terminology. It appears frequently in legal scholarship and international law discussions rather than in everyday conversation. In Brazilian and Portuguese law, modern usage typically employs 'lei' in common speech.
Related Idioms & Phrases
lex talionis (an eye for an eye)
lex loci (the law of the place)
lex non scripta (unwritten law)
lex scripta (written law)
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