The Law Dictionary

Your Free Online Legal Dictionary • Featuring Black’s Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed.

STATE Definition & Legal Meaning

Definition & Citations:

1. Law. With a capital ‘S’. The prosecuting body of persons accused of wrong doing in that state. 2. Politics. With a lower case’s’. The area geographically within defined territorial boundaries with a set of political institutions and rules by a government through conformance laws.

TLD Example: Students taking political science for the first time have difficulty understanding how both New York and Canada can be referred to as a state; however, they soon realize the distinction between a state that is a part of a commonwealth and a nation state.

Disclaimer

This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.