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NeCede's

Maxim 3.1.8

One placed outside the law is civilly dead.

Extra legem positus est civiliter mortuus.

Source: Co. Litt. 130a; Wharton, Legal Maxims no. 172; Weisman, 36q Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Outlawry — the deprivation of the protection of law — was the most severe civil penalty. It could not be imposed except by lawful judgment.

Where this applies

  • A person is declared an outlaw and loses all civil rights.
  • Someone is placed outside the protection of law as punishment.

Legal domains

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 3.1.8 — One placed outside the law is civilly dead. — Co. Litt. 130a; Wharton, Legal Maxims no. 172; Weisman, 36q (Extra legem positus est civiliter mortuus.)

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