The phrase "shadow of the law" is a metaphorical expression that refers to the influence or impact that legal rules and principles have on people's behavior, even in situations where there may not be an explicit legal obligation. In other words, it suggests that people act in certain ways because they fear the consequences of breaking the law, even if they are not technically bound by it. This concept is often used to explain why individuals or organizations may choose to follow rules and guidelines that are not mandated by a specific legal framework but are still considered socially acceptable or expected.