Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 12.6.2

A good thing required by necessity is not good beyond the limits of the necessity.

Bonum necessarium extra terminos necessitatis non est bonum.

Source: Hob. 144; Weisman, 83a Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

The exception carved by necessity extends only as far as the necessity itself — once the emergency passes, the ordinary law resumes its full authority.

Where this applies

  • The emergency is over so the extraordinary measures should end.
  • What was justified by necessity stops being justified when the necessity passes.
  • Emergency powers extend only as far as the emergency itself.

Topics

Necessity

Legal domains

constitutional

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 12.6.2 — A good thing required by necessity is not good beyond the limits of the necessity. — Hob. 144; Weisman, 83a (Bonum necessarium extra terminos necessitatis non est bonum.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →