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. Full definition
I'll forever champion emulation communities from the angle of historical preservation even as I know that much of what they do falls within the dark shadow of the law. (massivelyop.com)
As the title suggests, Dark Blue: The Complete First Season (Warner Archive) is a cop drama set in the shadows of law enforcement. (seanax.com)
We will need to figure out bargaining in the shadow of the law by considering the strength of a case. (slaw.ca)