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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.215

That which has no beginning has no end.

Quod non habet principium non habet finem.

Source: Co. Litt. 345; Jackson; Weisman, 95nn Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

A right or obligation that never validly came into existence can never be extinguished — what was never created cannot expire.

Where this applies

  • Something that never validly existed is claimed to have expired.
  • A party argues that a nonexistent right has lapsed, which makes no sense because it never existed.

Legal domains

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.215 — That which has no beginning has no end. — Co. Litt. 345; Jackson; Weisman, 95nn (Quod non habet principium non habet finem.)

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