Legal Definitions - leges non scriptae

Definition: Leges non scriptae (lee-jeez non skrip-tee) is a Latin term that refers to unwritten or customary laws, including ancient acts of Parliament. It is the opposite of leges scriptae, which are written laws.

Examples: One example of leges non scriptae is the common law system in England, which is based on unwritten customs and traditions that have been developed over centuries. Another example is the Native American tribal law, which is based on oral traditions and customs passed down from generation to generation.

These examples illustrate how leges non scriptae are laws that are not written down but are instead based on customs, traditions, and oral history. They are often deeply rooted in a society's culture and history and can be just as important as written laws.