Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.169

A new law ought to impose form on what is to follow, not on the past.

Nova constitutio futuris formam imponere debet, non praeteritis.

Source: 2 Inst. 292; Jackson Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Legislation operates prospectively — a new law governs future conduct and cannot retroactively alter rights or obligations that have already vested.

Where this applies

  • A new law is applied retroactively to punish someone for past conduct.
  • A regulation is applied backwards in time to void an existing contract.

Legal domains

contract

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.169 — A new law ought to impose form on what is to follow, not on the past. — 2 Inst. 292; Jackson (Nova constitutio futuris formam imponere debet, non praeteritis.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →