"Its not illegal, Its just against the law"

[Happy Camper]

Can anyone explain the difference between something being illegal and something being against the law ? A mate told me its against the law to buy alcohol to ppl under 18, but its okay for their parents to give them grog because its not illegal for them to drink alcohol. Which kinda makes sense since kids and have church wine before they are 18.

So whats the difference between being illegal and against the law ?

[ShinymetalASS]

No difference.

It's just a matter of whether you have committed an offence under the relevant provision.

If your act is not specifically prohibited by the proscribed section of legislation, then you are not committing a (criminal) offence.

[locust]

I think in all Australian states it's "against the law to buy alcohol to [sic] ppl under 18", unless you are the legal guardian of said underage drinker. I think.