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NeCede's

Maxim 2.1.9

Laws are imposed on things, not on words.

Leges non verbis sed rebus sunt impositae.

Source: Coke, 10 Co. 101; Weisman, 71n Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Government action is judged by its substance and effect, not by the label given to it. (Duplicate maxim — see also 10.2.32.)

Where this applies

  • The government calls a tax a 'fee' to avoid constitutional limitations.
  • A regulation is renamed to circumvent a legal restriction.

Legal domains

constitutionalsovereignty

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 2.1.9 — Laws are imposed on things, not on words. — Coke, 10 Co. 101; Weisman, 71n (Leges non verbis sed rebus sunt impositae.)

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