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NeCede's

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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