An act of law shall prejudice no man.

Explanation

When the operation of law itself causes a consequence — such as the vesting of an estate by descent or the merger of legal interests — no party is deemed injured, because the law cannot work injustice by its own necessary action. (Duplicate maxim — see also 11.1.1, 7.4.6.)

Where this applies

• A legislature passes a law that retroactively changes contract terms, but the court holds that an act of law cannot prejudice the vested rights of those who relied on the prior law.
• A statutory change automatically transfers certain trust assets to a new class of beneficiaries, and the former beneficiaries argue they are harmed, but the court holds that consequences flowing from the law itself are not legal injuries.
• A zoning change by operation of law renders certain properties nonconforming, and the owners claim damage, but the court rules that the law's own operation does not constitute a wrong to anyone.

See also

• 7.4.6 The act of law does injury to no one.
• 11.1.1 An act of the law does injury to no one.