windward of the law

English edit

Within the letter of the law but not the spirit of the law.
- 1998, Dean Barrett, Hangman's Point:
  " […] drop my anchor to the windward of the law." Adams estimated the distance between them even as he spoke. Ryker gripped his stomach again and more sweat dripped from his unnaturally white face onto his filthy shirt, but he was well enough that any attempt at rushing him would be suicidal.
- 2006, Matt Braun, Westward of the Law, page 54:
  His code was the end justified the means with men who operated windward of the law. Since thieves followed no rules, he played the game accordingly, with a slight variation. He wrote his own rules as he went along.