A clause in a law which precludes its own repeal is void from the beginning.

Explanation

No legislature can bind its successors — a statute that declares itself unrepealable attempts to exceed the legislative power and is a nullity. (Duplicate maxim — see also 6.8.3.)

Where this applies

• A law says it can never be repealed — can that be enforced.
• The legislature tried to make a statute permanent and irrevocable.
• A clause preventing the law's own repeal is void from the start.

See also

• 2.1.1 The law makes the government, not the government the law.
• 2.2.4 No one can do indirectly what he cannot do directly.
• 6.8.3 A clause which excludes the power of abrogation is void from the beginning.