Definitions
- Referring to the conformity with the law or legal requirements. - Talking about the legality of an action, decision, or behavior. - Describing something that is permitted or authorized by law.
- Referring to the acceptance or recognition of something as valid or rightful. - Talking about the legitimacy of a claim, authority, or power. - Describing something that is considered to be reasonable, fair, or just.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words relate to the concept of what is acceptable or allowed.
- 2Both words can be used to describe the status of a decision or action.
- 3Both words are often used in legal or political contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Definition: Legality refers to conformity with the law, while legitimacy refers to acceptance or recognition as valid or rightful.
- 2Source: Legality is derived from the law or legal system, while legitimacy is derived from social norms or cultural values.
- 3Focus: Legality emphasizes adherence to rules and regulations, while legitimacy emphasizes the perception of fairness or justice.
- 4Application: Legality is often used to determine whether an action is legal or illegal, while legitimacy is often used to determine whether an action is morally or socially acceptable.
- 5Scope: Legality is more narrow in scope, referring specifically to conformity with the law, while legitimacy is broader in scope, referring to acceptance or recognition in general.
Remember this!
Legality and legitimacy are similar in that they both relate to what is acceptable or allowed, but they differ in their focus and application. Legality refers specifically to conformity with the law, while legitimacy refers to acceptance or recognition as valid or rightful. Legality emphasizes adherence to rules and regulations, while legitimacy emphasizes the perception of fairness or justice.
