lawful

/ˈlȯ-fəl/

adjective

  1. being in harmony with the law

  2. constituted, authorized, or established by law : rightful

  3. law-abiding

a lawful judgment

lawful institutions

lawful legal legitimate licit mean being in accordance with law. lawful may apply to conformity with law of any sort (such as natural, divine, common, or canon). legal applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts.