Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Term: NULLUM TEMPUS OCCURRIT REIPUBLICAE
Definition: This Latin phrase means that no time limit applies to the government. It means that the government can take action or make a claim at any time, even if a lot of time has passed. This is because the government is always considered to be in existence and has the power to act in the interest of the people it serves.
Definition: Nullum tempus occurrit reipublicae is a Latin legal maxim that means "no time runs against the state." This principle states that the government is exempt from statutes of limitations and cannot be sued for actions that occurred in the past.
Example: Let's say a person wants to sue the government for a land dispute that happened 50 years ago. According to nullum tempus occurrit reipublicae, the government cannot be sued for something that happened so long ago because the statute of limitations has expired.
Explanation: This legal maxim is based on the idea that the government is a perpetual entity that exists beyond the lifespan of any individual. Therefore, it cannot be held accountable for actions that occurred in the past because it would be unfair to punish the current government for the mistakes of previous administrations. This principle is important because it ensures that the government can function without fear of being sued for actions that occurred in the distant past.