Chris Newman: Treaty Principles Come Before Rhetoric

The principles of law must pre-exist Te Tiriti o Waitangi of 6^th February 1840. Scholars recognise that principles represent the fundamental truth operating as the foundation for all subsequent statements. On “principles”, Black’s Law Dictionary declares, “A truth or proposition so clear that it cannot be proved or contradicted unless by a proposition which is still clearer”. Principles establish the legal maxim, “earlier in time, stronger in law’.