Nemo est supra leges
| Literal meaning | No one is above the law |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | NAY-moh est SOO-pra LAY-gays |
Everyone, including the government and its officers, is bound by the law. No one has a right to ignore the law because of position or power.
Example
A senior officer enters a house without legal authority. He is as liable as any private person.
Case laws
- Entick v. Carrington (1765), England: King's messengers broke into a house under a warrant that the law did not allow. Held: officers of the State need legal authority for what they do.
Statutory link
Article 14 of the Constitution of India: equality before the law and equal protection of the laws.
Exam tip
Asked with the rule of law.
Memory trick
Even the king obeys the law.
Key takeaway
The law binds everyone, including the State.
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