Maxim 2.1.18
The king can do nothing other than what he can do by law.
Nihil aliud potest rex quam quod de jure potest.
Source: 11 Co. Rep. 74; Jackson
Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate
Explanation
The sovereign's power is bounded by law — any act beyond what the law authorizes is ultra vires and void.
Where this applies
- Government prerogatives are challenged as exceeding constitutional limits.
- A question arises about whether a sovereign power can be permanently given up.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 2.1.18 — The king can do nothing other than what he can do by law. — 11 Co. Rep. 74; Jackson (Nihil aliud potest rex quam quod de jure potest.)
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