Maxim 1.7.43
A law is not obligatory unless it has been promulgated.
Non obligat lex nisi promulgata.
Source: Bouvier, Max.; Weisman, 72b
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
A law that has not been published and made known to the People cannot bind them — no one is obliged to obey what he has no means of knowing.
Where this applies
- A law is enacted but never published or made available to the public.
- A secret regulation is enforced against someone who had no way to know about it.
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.7.43 — A law is not obligatory unless it has been promulgated. — Bouvier, Max.; Weisman, 72b (Non obligat lex nisi promulgata.)
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