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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.350

The tie of blood binds men together in benevolence and affection.

Sanguinis conjunctio benevolentia devincit homines et caritate.

Source: Wharton, III-306 Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

The bond of kinship creates natural obligations of care and loyalty — the law recognizes and protects family ties as a foundation of civil society.

Where this applies

  • A court gives weight to a grandparent's petition for visitation rights, recognizing that the natural bond of blood creates an obligation of family loyalty that the law protects.
  • An inheritance dispute is resolved in favor of a blood relative over an unrelated friend, because the law recognizes that kinship carries inherent obligations of care and affection.
  • A judge considers the bond between siblings when deciding a custody case, noting that the tie of blood creates a presumption of mutual devotion that serves the child's best interest.

Legal domains

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.350 — The tie of blood binds men together in benevolence and affection. — Wharton, III-306 (Sanguinis conjunctio benevolentia devincit homines et caritate.)

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