WordNet
color of law
n. a mere semblance of legal right; something done with the apparent authority of law but actually in contravention of law; "the plaintiff claimed that under color of law the officer had deprived him of his civil rights" [syn: colour of law]
Usage examples of "color of law".
But what is imperialism beyond one or several states or people using force or color of law to make rules for another or other state or people?