unlawful

This term carries a clinical, legalistic tone that focuses specifically on the violation of written statutes or official regulations. It describes an act that is prohibited by the legal code, regardless of whether the act is considered immoral or unethical by society. It differs from illegal in that unlawful often appears in formal judicial contexts, such as unlawful detention or unlawful assembly. While illegal is a general term for breaking any law, unlawful frequently emphasizes the lack of legal authorization or the absence of a lawful justification for an action.