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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.216

What is not read is not believed.

Quod non legitur non creditur.

Source: 4 Inst. 304; Jackson; Weisman, 69t Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

A document not produced and read before the tribunal has no evidentiary weight — the court believes only what has been properly placed before it.

Where this applies

  • A party relies on a document that was never presented to the court.
  • Evidence is referenced but not actually introduced at trial.

Legal domains

evidenceprocedural

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.216 — What is not read is not believed. — 4 Inst. 304; Jackson; Weisman, 69t (Quod non legitur non creditur.)

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