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NeCede's

Maxim 1.7.11

Where there is no law, there is no transgression.

Ubi non est lex, ibi non est transgressio.

Source: Coke, 4 Co. 16b; Romans 4:15; Weisman, 72h Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

No one can be punished for an act that was not prohibited by law at the time it was committed — this is the foundation of the prohibition against ex post facto legislation.

Where this applies

  • A person is charged under a law that did not exist when they acted.
  • A regulation is applied backward in time to punish prior conduct.

Legal domains

constitutionalcriminal

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.7.11 — Where there is no law, there is no transgression. — Coke, 4 Co. 16b; Romans 4:15; Weisman, 72h (Ubi non est lex, ibi non est transgressio.)

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