Cessante ratione legis cessat ipsa lex
| Literal meaning | When the reason for a law ceases, the law itself ceases |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | seh-SAN-tee rah-tee-OH-nay LAY-gis SESS-at IP-sa lex |
When the reason behind a rule no longer exists, the rule loses its force. The law lives only as long as its purpose does.
Example
A rule was made to deal with a temporary shortage that has ended. Courts may hold that the reason for the rule is gone.
Exceptions / limits
Courts do not repeal laws on this ground. Only the legislature repeals a statute, so the maxim is used mainly for judge-made rules.
Exam tip
Pair with ubi eadem ratio ibi idem jus.
Memory trick
No reason, no rule.
Key takeaway
A rule loses force when its reason is gone.
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