Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 8.8.13

A new judgment does not create new law, but declares the old.

Novum judicium non dat novum jus, sed declarat antiquum.

Source: 10 Co. 42; Jackson Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Adjudication reveals existing law — it does not invent it. Every judgment is retroactive in the sense that it declares what the law always was.

Where this applies

  • The Supreme Court's latest ruling doesn't create new law — it reveals what the law always was.
  • A court decision discovers and declares existing law rather than inventing new law.

Legal domains

procedural

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 8.8.13 — A new judgment does not create new law, but declares the old. — 10 Co. 42; Jackson (Novum judicium non dat novum jus, sed declarat antiquum.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →