The phrase "hath the law on" is an archaic way of saying "the law is on their side." In terms of pronunciation, "hath" is pronounced as /hæθ/ with a long "a" sound and is an old version of "has." "The" is pronounced as /ðiː/ with the voiced "th" sound, while "law" is pronounced as /lɔː/, with a long "o" sound. "On" is pronounced as /ɒn/ with a short "o" sound. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /hæθ ðiː lɔː ɒn/.
The phrase "hath the law on" is an archaic and formal construction that is derived from Old English and primarily used in legal contexts. It is composed of two elements: "hath," the present tense of the verb "to have" in older English, and "the law on," which refers to being in accordance with or having the support of the law.
When someone "hath the law on" their side, it means they possess legal authority, rights, or protection in a given situation. It implies that they are acting in compliance with the laws and regulations established by a governing body, and thus, their actions are justified and legally enforceable. This phrase is typically used to assert or acknowledge the legal basis or legitimacy of an action or claim.
Being "hath the law on" can be a position of advantage when engaging in legal proceedings, as it signifies having the upper hand due to being in conformity with legal requirements. It suggests that the law recognizes and supports the individual or entity asserting their rights or interests, providing them with legal backing and protection. However, it is worth noting that this phrase is rarely used in contemporary English and is more commonly found in legal and literary texts from earlier periods.