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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.19

The law is the safest shield; under the protection of the law no one is deceived.

Lex est tutissima cassis; sub clypeo legis nemo decipitur.

Source: Coke, 2 Inst. 56; Jackson 506 Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

The law exists to protect — anyone acting within the law and relying on the law's protections is not to be prejudiced by that reliance.

Where this applies

  • Someone acting within the law is penalized for relying on the law's protections.
  • A person followed the law exactly and is still punished.

Legal domains

interpretationsovereignty

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.19 — The law is the safest shield; under the protection of the law no one is deceived. — Coke, 2 Inst. 56; Jackson 506 (Lex est tutissima cassis; sub clypeo legis nemo decipitur.)

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