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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.47

Against a man denying principles there is no disputing.

Contra negantem principia non est disputandum.

Source: Co. Litt. 343; Jackson Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

One who refuses to accept first principles places himself beyond the reach of rational argument — debate requires shared premises. (Duplicate maxim — see also 12.1.12.)

Where this applies

  • Someone refuses to accept basic legal principles in an argument.
  • A party denies the existence of fundamental rights and then tries to debate legal theory.

Legal domains

evidenceprocedural

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.47 — Against a man denying principles there is no disputing. — Co. Litt. 343; Jackson (Contra negantem principia non est disputandum.)

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