Maxim 2.3.1
Liberty is the natural power of doing whatever one pleases, except that which is restrained by law or force.
Libertas est naturalis facultas ejus quod cuique facere libet, nisi quod de jure aut vi prohibetur.
Source: Co. Litt. 116; Dig. 1, 5, 4; Inst. 1, 3, 1; Weisman, 47b
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
The default state of every person is liberty. Restriction is the exception, requiring lawful authority.
Where this applies
- A government restricts a person's freedom without any legal basis.
- Someone's liberty is curtailed and the government cannot point to a law authorizing it.
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 2.3.1 — Liberty is the natural power of doing whatever one pleases, except that which is restrained by law or force. — Co. Litt. 116; Dig. 1, 5, 4; Inst. 1, 3, 1; Weisman, 47b (Libertas est naturalis facultas ejus quod cuique facere libet, nisi quod de jure aut vi prohibetur.)
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