Maxim 1.5.177
All things are presumed legitimately done, until the contrary be proved.
Omnia praesumuntur legitime facta donec probetur in contrarium.
Source: Co. Litt. 232; Jackson
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
Official acts and completed transactions enjoy a presumption of regularity — the burden of proving irregularity falls on the party who alleges it.
Where this applies
- An official act is challenged as improperly done years after the fact.
- A government decision from decades ago is presumed valid unless proven otherwise.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.5.177 — All things are presumed legitimately done, until the contrary be proved. — Co. Litt. 232; Jackson (Omnia praesumuntur legitime facta donec probetur in contrarium.)
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