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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.204

When anything is prohibited directly, it is also prohibited indirectly.

Quando aliquid prohibetur ex directo prohibetur et per obliquum.

Source: Co. Litt. 223; Jackson; Weisman, 90a Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

The law cannot be evaded by doing indirectly what it forbids doing directly — a prohibition extends to every method of accomplishing the forbidden result.

Where this applies

  • The government cannot censor speech directly so it pressures private companies to do it.
  • A regulation cannot ban an activity so it taxes it out of existence.

Legal domains

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.204 — When anything is prohibited directly, it is also prohibited indirectly. — Co. Litt. 223; Jackson; Weisman, 90a (Quando aliquid prohibetur ex directo prohibetur et per obliquum.)

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