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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.137

To lie is to go against the mind.

Mentiri est contra mentem ire.

Source: 3 Buls. 260; Jackson Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

A lie is a deliberate contradiction of what the speaker knows to be true — it is an act against one’s own conscience, and the law punishes it because it corrupts the foundations of justice. (Duplicate maxim — see also 9.5.16.)

Where this applies

  • A witness deliberately gives false testimony.
  • Someone makes a knowingly false statement in a legal filing.

Legal domains

commercialconstitutional

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.137 — To lie is to go against the mind. — 3 Buls. 260; Jackson (Mentiri est contra mentem ire.)

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