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NeCede's

Maxim 1.3.4

A custom, however great its authority, should never prejudice manifest truth.

Consuetudo, licet sit magnae auctoritatis, nunquam tamen praejudicat manifestae veritati.

Source: Coke, 4 Co. 18; Weisman, 27i Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

No custom, however ancient or universal, can override plain truth — when custom and fact collide, fact prevails.

Where this applies

  • A longstanding custom contradicts a provable fact.
  • People have been following a practice based on a false assumption for generations.

Topics

Custom & Usage

Legal domains

evidenceinterpretation

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.3.4 — A custom, however great its authority, should never prejudice manifest truth. — Coke, 4 Co. 18; Weisman, 27i (Consuetudo, licet sit magnae auctoritatis, nunquam tamen praejudicat manifestae veritati.)

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