above the law
Immune from consequences
Above the law describes someone who acts as if legal rules don't apply to them, or a situation where they actually don't.
The phrase implies either arrogance or genuine immunity: No one is above the law, He thinks his money puts him above the law.
It often appears in criticism of the powerful—politicians, corporations, police—who evade consequences ordinary people would face.
- impunityFreedom from consequences
- get away with murderEscape punishment for wrongdoing
- elitismPreference for privileged rule
- nepotismPreferring kin in hiring
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
white collar crime · exemption · justice · authoritarianism · fairness · oligarchy · hypocrisy · entitlement · double standard · unequal treatment · despotism · accountability · prosecution · untouchable · equity · indictment · plutocracy · too big to fail
above the lawaccountable
Obligated to explain oneself
within the law · law-abiding · prosecutable · held accountable · indictable
above the lawordinary citizen
common man · average person · unprivileged · powerless · unprotected
above the lawprincipled
Having strong moral beliefs
ethical · law-abiding · humble · rule-following · conscientious
above, laws, lawful, lawfully, unlawful, lawless, lawyer, lawyers, lawyerly