Will stands in place of reason.

Explanation

In matters of testamentary disposition, the testator's will is itself the reason — he need not justify his bequests. In matters of government, the maxim is cited as a condemnation: where will replaces reason, tyranny begins.

Where this applies

• A testator leaves his entire estate to whomever he pleases without giving reasons, and the court upholds the will because in testamentary matters the testator's will is itself the justification.
• A king decrees a tax with no legislative authority, and the court condemns the decree because in governmental matters, will without reason is tyranny.
• A corporate board makes a decision based on business judgment without explaining every reason, and the court defers because in matters within their discretion, the directors' will stands as their reason.

See also

• 1.5.353 Thus I will, thus I command.
• 5.7.1 Every will is completed by death.