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NeCede's

Maxim 1.3.5

A custom grounded on a certain and reasonable cause supersedes the common law.

Consuetudo certa et rationabili causa superinducta vincit legem communem.

Source: Litt. s. 169; Co. Litt. 113; Broom, Max. 919; Weisman, 27h Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

Where a local custom rests on solid reason and has been consistently observed, it displaces the general common law rule for that locality.

Where this applies

  • A local custom that has been followed for centuries conflicts with a general common law rule.
  • A town has always handled property boundaries differently from the rest of the state.

Topics

Custom & Usage

Legal domains

interpretationproperty

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.3.5 — A custom grounded on a certain and reasonable cause supersedes the common law. — Litt. s. 169; Co. Litt. 113; Broom, Max. 919; Weisman, 27h (Consuetudo certa et rationabili causa superinducta vincit legem communem.)

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