uphold the law vs protect the law

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'Uphold the law' means to maintain or support the law, ensuring it is followed and respected. On the other hand, 'protect the law' implies safeguarding the law from harm or threats. The choice between the two depends on whether the focus is on maintaining the integrity of the legal system or shielding it from potential dangers.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 933 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"uphold the law"

It means to maintain or support the law, ensuring it is followed and respected.

Examples:

As a judge, it is my duty to uphold the law.
Citizens have a responsibility to uphold the law of the land.
Law enforcement officers are tasked with upholding the law.
The government must ensure that all citizens uphold the law.
The legal system relies on individuals to uphold the law.

Show examples from the web [+]

We appreciate any person who risks their life to uphold the law.
An officer have to uphold the law.
Personal thoughts aside, we are sworn to uphold the law.
You all took an oath to uphold the law.
You made a promise to uphold the law.
We've had a few bad apples, but we're good people out to uphold the law and make a difference.
They took an oath to uphold the law.
As King, I am sworn to uphold the law.
The exhilarating and terrifying truth is that nothing adequately prepares you for how it feels to uphold the law.
I thought it was your job to uphold the law, Gary.
I feel the same way as everyone else, but I have to uphold the law.
They want me to uphold the law... buttheytie myhands.
I've taken it as my code and purpose to uphold the law.
I only ask that you abide by your duty to uphold the law.
If I weren't sworn to uphold the law, I'd shoot you right now.
It was my duty to uphold the law.
Almost as ugly as what Mason wants to do to us is the fact that he can do it with the tacit agreement of people sworn to uphold the law.
And now I have a job to do and that is to uphold the law.
But the people of this state entrusted this office to uphold the law.
Because... I may fight to protect my daughter and I may do whatever I need to do to uphold the law, but I never lie.

Alternatives:

comply with the law
enforce the law
abide by the law
follow the law
respect the law

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"protect the law"

It implies safeguarding the law from harm or threats.

Examples:

It is essential to protect the law from corruption.
The government must take steps to protect the law from being undermined.
Lawyers play a crucial role in protecting the law.
Citizens have a duty to protect the law of the land.
The legal system relies on various mechanisms to protect the law.

Show examples from the web [+]

President Sólyom is a distinguished lawyer who has always demonstrated his determination to protect the law, political freedom and human dignity.
You must protect the law, the justice of the citizens is still alive.
Sometimes you've got to break the law to protect the law.
Our priority has to be to protect the law-abiding supporter and clamp down on hooligans who spoil the game.
Agent Hotchner, you took an oath to protect the laws of your country, and I took one to protect the secrets of mine.
The law protects the confidentiality of written communication between an independent counsel and a company, therefore rendering it impossible for the Commission to use such documents as proof in applying European rules of competition.
Mr President, let me stress that EU law protects the confidentiality of electronic communications.
Here, the law protects minors.
Europe can only protect itself through the law, using sanctions and prosecutions.
Because the people running this city feed off the weak and the law protects them.
In the next few months... you will protect the rule of law where lawlessness is run rampant.
The rule of law protects the fundamental right of everyone to effective remedy as enshrined in Articles 47 and 48 of the Charter.
In 1998 the European Council took the decision to protect the environment through criminal law.
Does the exemption provided by the above law protect the rights of minority shareholders?
If the European Union's aid is indeed effective, then it must be focused on one objective: that of ensuring the growth of this Palestinian constitutional state where the rule of law protects the weak and helps the strong.
Environmental offences are a problem jointly faced by Member States, which should therefore take concerted action to protect the environment under criminal law.
(3) Environmental offences are a problem jointly faced by Member States, which should therefore take concerted action to protect the environment under criminal law(3).
If the Court follows its advocate-general, a new legal instrument, this time a Community one, will have to be adopted to protect the environment through criminal law, including to prevent the fraudulent cross-border transport of waste.
How can we bear not to protect the environment through criminal law too and preserve the beauty of nature for ever?
It should not be forgotten, however, that, as well as trying to make markets transparent and to protect savers, the company law reform will also directly affect the future of the European social model.

Alternatives:

defend the law
safeguard the law
preserve the law
uphold the law
maintain the law

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uphold the law vs protect the law

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