In
United States law, the term
color of law denotes the "mere semblance of
legal right", the "pretense or appearance of" right; hence, an action done under
color of law colors (adjusts) the law to the circumstance, yet said apparently legal action contravenes the law.
Under color of authority is a legal phrase used in the US indicating that a person is claiming or implying the acts he or she is committing are related to and legitimized by his or her role as an agent of governmental power, especially if the acts are unlawful.