Color (law)

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Color of is a legal term meaning "pretense or appearance of" some right.

[edit] Color of law

Color of law refers to an appearance of legal power to act but which is actually in violation. For example, a police officer who mistakenly arrests another without probable cause may have been acting under the color of law.

[edit] Color of office

Color of office refers to an act usually committed by a public official under the appearance of authority, but which exceeds such authority. An act committed under color of office is sometimes required to prove malfeasance in office.

[edit] Color of title

In property law, color of title refers to a claim to title which appears valid, but it is legally defective. Color of title may arise when there is evidence, such as a writing, suggesting valid legal title.