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NeCede's

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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