Nullum crimen sine lege
| Literal meaning | No crime without law |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | NUL-um KRIM-en SIN-ay LAY-gay |
An act is a crime only if a law made before the act declares it a crime. No one can be punished for something that was lawful when done.
Example
An act is declared an offence by a new law in 2025. A person who did the same act in 2024 cannot be convicted under it.
Statutory link
Article 20(1) of the Constitution of India: no person is convicted of an offence except for violating a law in force at the time of the act.
Exam tip
Asked with Article 20(1) and ex post facto laws.
Memory trick
No law yet, no crime yet.
Key takeaway
There can be no crime without a prior law.
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