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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.26

The law compels no one to do vain or useless things.

Lex neminem cogit ad vana seu inutilia peragenda.

Source: 5 Co. 21a; Co. Litt. 197b; Broom, Max. 252; Jackson 510; Weisman, 72c; Weisman, 72k Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

No court order or statutory requirement can lawfully demand a futile act — if compliance would serve no purpose, the requirement is void.

Where this applies

  • A court orders someone to do something that would accomplish nothing.
  • A regulation requires a filing that serves no purpose.

Legal domains

interpretationprocedural

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.26 — The law compels no one to do vain or useless things. — 5 Co. 21a; Co. Litt. 197b; Broom, Max. 252; Jackson 510; Weisman, 72c; Weisman, 72k (Lex neminem cogit ad vana seu inutilia peragenda.)

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