Maxim 1.5.182
There may be an abuse of everything of which there is a use, virtue alone excepted.
Omnium rerum quarum usus est, potest esse abusus, virtute solo excepta.
Source: Dav. 79; Jackson; Weisman, 25e
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
Every right and power is susceptible of misuse — the law therefore imposes limits on the exercise of rights to prevent their perversion into instruments of harm.
Where this applies
- A right is being abused to the point where it harms others.
- Government authority is exercised so excessively that it becomes tyranny.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.5.182 — There may be an abuse of everything of which there is a use, virtue alone excepted. — Dav. 79; Jackson; Weisman, 25e (Omnium rerum quarum usus est, potest esse abusus, virtute solo excepta.)
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