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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.132

Evil deeds ought not to remain unpunished; and impunity affords continual incitement to the delinquent.

Maleficia non debent remanere impunita; et impunitas continuum affectum tribuit delinquenti.

Source: 4 Co. 45; Jackson; Weisman, 78a Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

Failure to punish wrongdoing encourages further wrongdoing — justice requires that offences be addressed, lest impunity embolden the offender.

Where this applies

  • Criminals go unpunished and crime increases as a result.
  • A district attorney refuses to prosecute certain crimes and those crimes spike.

Legal domains

property

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.132 — Evil deeds ought not to remain unpunished; and impunity affords continual incitement to the delinquent. — 4 Co. 45; Jackson; Weisman, 78a (Maleficia non debent remanere impunita; et impunitas continuum affectum tribuit delinquenti.)

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