Cessante ratione legis, cessat lex ipsa

“Cessante ratione legis, cessat lex ipsa” is a Latin legal phrase that means “When the reason for the law ceases, the law itself ceases.” This principle is often used in legal settings to argue that a law should no longer be enforced when the circumstances or reasons that led to its creation no longer apply. In other words, if the underlying reason for a law becomes obsolete or irrelevant, the law should be considered obsolete as well and may no longer be enforced. This principle reflects the idea that laws should serve a purpose and be adapted to changing societal needs and circumstances.