Whatever is subject to the authority of a judge is not subject to innovation.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) A matter already under judicial authority cannot be altered or changed by outside interference — what is before the judge is under his exclusive control until disposed of.

Where this applies

• While a case is pending before a judge, a city council passes an ordinance trying to change the outcome — the court strikes it down because a matter under judicial authority cannot be altered by outside innovation.
• A government agency issues a new regulation attempting to moot a lawsuit already before a judge, and the court holds that the pending case is not subject to administrative interference.
• A legislative body tries to retroactively change the rules governing a contract that is currently being litigated, and the court refuses to apply the new law to the pending case.