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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.227

The value of a thing is estimated according to its worth in money; but the value of money is not estimated by reference to the thing.

Res per pecuniam aestimatur et non pecunia per res.

Source: 9 Co. 76; Jackson; Weisman, 35r Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Money is the universal standard of value by which all other things are measured — damages are assessed in monetary terms because money provides the common denominator for compensation.

Where this applies

  • Damages in a lawsuit are assessed in monetary terms.
  • A court must put a dollar value on a harm to determine compensation.

Legal domains

proceduraltort

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.227 — The value of a thing is estimated according to its worth in money; but the value of money is not estimated by reference to the thing. — 9 Co. 76; Jackson; Weisman, 35r (Res per pecuniam aestimatur et non pecunia per res.)

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