Maxim 1.5.194
Politics are to be adapted to the laws, and not the laws to politics.
Politiae legibus non leges politiis adaptandae.
Source: Hob. 154; Jackson
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
Government policy must conform to the law, not the reverse — bending the law to fit political convenience is a subversion of the rule of law.
Where this applies
- Politicians try to bend the law to fit their political agenda.
- A government reshapes legal rules to serve political convenience.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.5.194 — Politics are to be adapted to the laws, and not the laws to politics. — Hob. 154; Jackson (Politiae legibus non leges politiis adaptandae.)
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