Nullum crimen sine lege

The Latin principle “Nullum crimen sine lege” means “no crime without law.” This principle emphasizes that an act cannot be considered a crime and punished as such unless it has been previously established and prohibited by law. It is a fundamental principle of the rule of law and ensures that individuals are not punished for actions that were not clearly defined as criminal when they were committed. The principle highlights the importance of legal certainty and due process in criminal justice systems.