Lawful

: law·ful

: being in harmony with the law <a lawful judgment> b : constituted, authorized, or

established by law : RIGHTFUL <lawful institutions>

synonyms LAWFUL, LEGAL, LEGITIMATE,
LICIT mean being in accordance with law.

LAWFUL may apply to conformity with law of any sort (as natural, divine, common, or canon) <the lawful sovereign>. LEGAL applies to what is sanctioned by law or in conformity with the law, especially as it is written or administered by the courts <legal residents of the state>.

LEGITIMATE may apply to a legal right or status but also, in extended use, to a right or status supported by tradition, custom, or accepted standards

: right·ful

: JUST, EQUITABLE
: having a just or legally established claim
: LEGITIMATE <the rightful owner> b : held by right or just claim
: LEGAL <rightful authority>
: PROPER, FITTING <assured of his rightful place in history -- Brian Duff>
- right·ful·ly /-f&-lE/ adverb right·ful·ness noun