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NeCede's

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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