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NeCede's

Maxim 10.2.32

Laws are imposed on things, not on words.

Leges non verbis sed rebus sunt impositae.

Source: 10 Co. 101; Bouvier Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Legislation governs substance and reality, not mere verbal formulas; the words are the vehicle, not the destination. (Duplicate maxim — see also 2.1.9.)

Where this applies

  • Laws govern real things and real situations, not just words and formulas.
  • The substance of the law matters more than the precise wording.
  • Legislation is about governing reality, not creating verbal constructs.

Legal domains

interpretation

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 10.2.32 — Laws are imposed on things, not on words. — 10 Co. 101; Bouvier (Leges non verbis sed rebus sunt impositae.)

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