Maxim 1.5.196
Of principles there is no rule.
Principiorum non est ratio.
Source: 2 Buls. 239; Jackson
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
First principles are self-evident and require no further justification — they are the axioms from which all legal reasoning proceeds and cannot themselves be proved by prior rules.
Where this applies
- Someone demands proof for a basic legal axiom.
- A party challenges a fundamental principle by asking for its justification.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.5.196 — Of principles there is no rule. — 2 Buls. 239; Jackson (Principiorum non est ratio.)
Found an error? Suggest a correction →