legal situation
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legal situation
The totality of applicable laws and legal regulations on a specific topic or in a specific area at a specific time. The term describes the current legal situation.
Ein Anwalt prüft die komplizierte Gesetzeslage, bevor er seinem Mandanten einen Rat gibt.
A lawyer examines the complicated legal situation before giving advice to his client.
'Gesetzeslage' (legal situation) is a compound noun made up of 'Gesetz' (law), in its genitive form 'Gesetzes', and 'Lage' (situation). So it literally describes the 'situation of the laws' at a specific point in time.
Die aktuelle Gesetzeslage macht eine schnelle Lösung schwierig.
The current legal situation makes a quick solution difficult.
This word is often combined with adjectives such as 'aktuell' (current), 'derzeitige' (current/present), 'unklar' (unclear), or 'kompliziert' (complicated). Typical verbs are 'die Gesetzeslage prüfen' (to examine the legal situation), 'erläutern' (to explain), or 'ändern' (to change).
Wir müssen die derzeitige Gesetzeslage genau prüfen, bevor wir handeln.
We need to examine the current legal situation carefully before we act.
'Gesetzeslage' (legal situation) is a term from formal administrative and legal language. In a sentence, it is often used with the prepositions 'nach' (according to) or 'laut' (according to) to introduce a legal justification.
Nach der aktuellen Gesetzeslage ist dieses Vorgehen nicht erlaubt.
According to the current legal situation, this procedure is not permitted.
legislation
'die Gesetzgebung' and 'die Gesetzeslage' can both describe which laws apply. The most important difference is the perspective. 'Gesetzgebung' often means the process by which laws are made, or generally the laws in a particular area. 'Gesetzeslage' means the current legal situation regarding a specific topic or in a specific place. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with laws. If you are asking what is currently allowed or prohibited, 'Gesetzeslage' sounds more natural. If you are talking about new laws or the work of parliament, 'Gesetzgebung' fits better.
Vor der Reise prüfen wir die Gesetzeslage zu Medikamenten im Ausland.
Before the trip, we check the legal situation regarding medicines abroad.
Karim interessiert sich für die Gesetzgebung im Bereich Datenschutz.
Karim is interested in legislation in the area of data protection.