Maxim 1.5.11
Obedience is the essence of law.
Obedientia est legis essentia.
Source: Coke, 11 Co. 100; Weisman, 72i
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
Law without obedience is mere ink on paper — a law that the People will not obey, and that cannot be enforced justly, is no law in practice.
Where this applies
- A law exists on the books but nobody follows it.
- A regulation is widely ignored and has no enforcement.
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.5.11 — Obedience is the essence of law. — Coke, 11 Co. 100; Weisman, 72i (Obedientia est legis essentia.)
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