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NeCede's

Maxim 11.1.10

The king is not bound by any statute if he be not expressly named therein.

Roy n'est lie per ascun statute si il ne soit expressement nosme.

Source: Jenk. Cent. 307; Wharton Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

The sovereign is not presumed to be included in the operation of a statute unless the statute expressly names him — a principle of construction, not of immunity.

Where this applies

  • A statute doesn't bind the sovereign unless the sovereign is expressly named in it.
  • The government claims it's exempt from a law because the sovereign isn't specifically mentioned.
  • This is a principle of construction — the king must be named to be bound.

Legal domains

constitutionalinterpretationsovereignty

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 11.1.10 — The king is not bound by any statute if he be not expressly named therein. — Jenk. Cent. 307; Wharton (Roy n'est lie per ascun statute si il ne soit expressement nosme.)

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