lawfulness

adjective

1. allowed or permitted by law; not contrary to law: a lawful enterprise.
2. recognized or sanctioned by law; legitimate: a lawful marriage; a lawful heir.
3. appointed or recognized by law; legally qualified: a lawful king.
4. acting or living according to the law; law-abiding: a lawful man; a lawful community.

adjective

1. allowed, recognized, or sanctioned by law; legal

adj.c.1300, laghful; cf. Old Norse logfullr (see law). Related: Lawfully; lawfulness.