Maxim 1.5.202
Things bad in the commencement seldom achieve a good end.
Quae mala sunt inchoata in principio vix est ut bono peragantur exitu.
Source: 4 Co. 2; Jackson
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
An enterprise begun in fraud, illegality, or injustice rarely produces a lawful result — the taint of the origin infects the whole proceeding.
Where this applies
- A business deal started with fraud and everything that followed is tainted.
- A proceeding was initiated unlawfully and the party claims the final result should still stand.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 1.5.202 — Things bad in the commencement seldom achieve a good end. — 4 Co. 2; Jackson (Quae mala sunt inchoata in principio vix est ut bono peragantur exitu.)
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