Single Idea 7294

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 3. Punishment / a. Right to punish]

Full Idea

An ancient principle of Roman law states, nullum crimen et nulla poene sine lege, - there is no crime and no punishment without a law.

Gist of Idea

No crime and no punishment without a law

Source

[Roman law] (Roman Law [c.100]), quoted by A.C. Grayling - Among the Dead Cities Ch.6

Book Reference

Grayling,A.C.: 'Among the Dead Cities' [Bloomsbury 2006], p.245


A Reaction

That there is no 'punishment' without law seems the basis of civilization. Suppose a strong person imposed firm punishment in order to forestall more brutal revenge by others? What motivates the creation of criminal laws?