Maxim 2.1.5
The king ought not to be under any man, but under God and under the law, for the law makes the king.
Rex non debet esse sub homine sed sub Deo et lege, quia lex facit regem.
Source: Bracton, lib. 1, c. 5; 12 Co. 65
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
Government authority is bounded above by God and below by law — it is never above either. This is the constitutional bedrock: government officers are servants of the law, not masters of the People.
Where this applies
- A government official claims to be above the law they enforce.
- A ruler acts as though they answer to no one, not even the law.
Topics
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 2.1.5 — The king ought not to be under any man, but under God and under the law, for the law makes the king. — Bracton, lib. 1, c. 5; 12 Co. 65 (Rex non debet esse sub homine sed sub Deo et lege, quia lex facit regem.)
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