Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 12.6.7

Necessity is the law of the time and of the place.

Necessitas est lex temporis et loci.

Source: Hob. 159; 1 Hale P.C. 54 Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Necessity is always measured against the particular moment and circumstances — what is necessary today may not be tomorrow, and what is necessary here may not be elsewhere.

Where this applies

  • What was necessary then and there may not be necessary here and now.
  • Necessity is judged against the particular time and circumstances.
  • The same action might be necessary in one situation but not in another.

Legal domains

constitutionalcriminal

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 12.6.7 — Necessity is the law of the time and of the place. — Hob. 159; 1 Hale P.C. 54 (Necessitas est lex temporis et loci.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →