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NeCede's

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.)

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