What does the term Nullen crimen sine lege mean?

The term "Nullum crimen sine lege" is a Latin phrase that translates to "no crime without law." This legal principle asserts that conduct cannot be classified as a crime unless it is prohibited by existing law. It emphasizes the idea that individuals have the right to know what is considered criminal behavior, and that they cannot be punished for actions that were not defined as crimes at the time they were committed. Consequently, the statement that there can be no punishment for crime without a law accurately reflects this principle; without a legislated statute defining an act as criminal, punitive measures cannot be imposed on individuals for that act. This foundation is crucial in upholding the rule of law and ensuring fairness in the legal system, safeguarding citizens from arbitrary enforcement of laws.