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NeCede's

Maxim 2.5.1

The right of arms is necessary where laws are deficient.

Jus armorum est necessarium ubi deficiunt leges.

Source: Common law maxim; cf. 2 Inst. 574 Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

When the law fails to protect the citizen, the citizen retains the natural right to protect himself. The right of arms is the last safeguard of all other rights.

Where this applies

  • A citizen is denied the right to own firearms for self-defense.
  • The government tries to restrict arms ownership to the military and police only.

Topics

Arms & Self-Defense

Legal domains

constitutionalsovereignty

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 2.5.1 — The right of arms is necessary where laws are deficient. — Common law maxim; cf. 2 Inst. 574 (Jus armorum est necessarium ubi deficiunt leges.)

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