Law Professor: Today we will be discussing the Latin maxim “Nullum crimen sine poena, nulla poena sine lege.” Can anyone tell me what this means in English?

Law Student: Professor, it means, “No crime without punishment; no punishment without law.”

Professor: Excellent. This maxim embodies the Principle of Legality. It means that before a person can be punished for an act, there must first be a law that defines and punishes such act as a crime.

Student: Professor, let’s say a person kills another person in self-defense, but no law explicitly allows for self-defense as a justification for killing someone.

Professor: Interesting scenario. So, you are trying to say that if there is no law allowing for self-defense as a justification, then the killer would be punished for their crime, correct?

Student: Yes, Professor. That’s what I mean.

Professor: Ok, but what if the killer was a robot programmed to protect its owner, and the robot killed a person who was attacking its owner? Since no law makes robots criminally liable, then the robot, as the killer, would not be punished because of the maxim, right?

Student: Professor, in that case, criminal liability should be on the robot’s programmer or on the company which created the robot.

Professor: Ok, but what if the robot was programmed with artificial intelligence or A.I. and it decided to kill the attacker on its own?

Student: Professor, so, it means that without a law providing for criminal liability or punishment, then the maxim would apply and no one could be held criminally liable for the killing?

Professor: Precisely, and that is the challenge of the law. It must be able to adapt and evolve to keep pace with the ever-changing world.

Now, imagine a world where there is no government, no laws, and no society. Can anyone tell me what would happen in such a world?

Student: There would be chaos, Professor. People would be free to do whatever they want without any consequences.

Professor: Exactly. And in such a world, the maxim “Nullum crimen sine poena, nulla poena sine lege” would not apply.

But let’s take it a step further. Imagine a dictator takes over and creates a society with laws, but also creates punishments that are completely arbitrary and unjust. In this society, would the maxim still apply?

Student: No, Professor. The punishments would be in accordance with the laws created by the dictator, but they would not be just and fair punishments.

Professor: Exactly. The dictator’s laws may be in place, but if they are unjust, they do not align with the principles of justice embodied in the maxim “Nullum crimen sine poena, nulla poena sine lege.” Even though the punishments are in accordance with the laws, they are not in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness.

Now, let’s take it even further. Imagine a society where the laws change every day, and people are punished for crimes they didn’t even know existed. In this society, would the maxim still apply?

Student: No, Professor. The people wouldn’t know what the laws were and couldn’t abide by them.

Professor: Excellent. So, in order for the maxim “Nullum crimen sine poena, nulla poena sine lege” to apply, there must be a just and fair society with laws that are clear and consistent. And it is the role of the legal system and legal professionals to ensure that these principles are upheld.

Student: But what about laws that are unjust or discriminatory, Professor?

Professor: That is a good point. The maxim “Nullum crimen sine poena, nulla poena sine lege” must also be balanced with other principles such as equality before the law and protection of human rights. It’s a delicate balance, and it’s our responsibility as legal professionals to navigate it with integrity and morality.

Student: That’s very profound, Professor.

Professor: Thank you. Always remember, the study of law is not just about memorizing facts and cases, it’s about understanding the principles of justice and how they apply to the world around us. It’s also about understanding that laws are not static, they are ever-evolving, and it’s our duty to strive for a more just society. The study of law is not just about winning cases; it’s about seeking justice and making a positive impact on society. And that, my dear students, is the most exciting and profound aspect of the law.