Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

Which principle states that no act is a crime unless specifically prohibited by law?

1. Maxim nullum crimen, null poena sine lege

2. Vivat lex sine lege

3. Habeas Corpus Rule

4. Fieri Facias Principle

The correct answer is: Maxim nullum crimen, null poena sine lege

The principle that no act can be classified as a crime unless it is specifically prohibited by law is encapsulated in the maxim "nullum crimen, nulla poena sine lege." This Latin phrase translates to "no crime, no punishment without a law." It emphasizes the need for clear and established legal definitions of criminal activity to ensure that individuals are not penalized for actions that are not explicitly defined as criminal by law. This principle underlines the importance of legality and fair warning in criminal law, ensuring that individuals are aware of what constitutes a criminal act so that they can govern their behavior accordingly. It serves as a fundamental protection against arbitrary punishment and supports the rule of law, which is crucial in legal systems. The other choices do not address this principle directly. "Vivat lex sine lege" refers to the idea of living law, but it does not encompass the same legal prohibition context. The "Habeas Corpus Rule" is a legal principle designed to protect individuals from unlawful detention, and "Fieri Facias" relates to a specific type of writ used in civil cases to enforce a judgment. Therefore, they do not pertain to the prohibition of acts as crimes unless defined by law.