I just want to make sure that I understand. I think everything I heard makes sense. “Unlawful” in English means it doesn't need a legal text or anything.
The French word “légitime” has the following meaning. If I commit an act that is “légitme”, it can mean that the act is acceptable. You don't need the idea of legality with that word. That may be the reason for the question about the words “unlawful” and “légitime”. I find it satisfactory; the French word “légitime” is so much broader. I will not object if we want to let someone use that defence.
However, is the word “unlawful” a term that has nothing to do with the law?