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NeCede's

Maxim 1.5.8

The precepts of the law are these: to live honorably, to harm no one, to render to every one his due.

Juris praecepta sunt haec: honeste vivere, alterum non laedere, suum cuique tribuere.

Source: Inst. 1.1.3; 1 Bl. Comm. 40; Weisman, 71dd Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

These three precepts define the entire scope of legal duty — every rule of law is an application of one or more of them.

Where this applies

  • Someone asks what the basic duties of every person under the law are.
  • A court considers whether a party lived honorably, harmed no one, and gave everyone their due.

Legal domains

interpretationprocedural

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.5.8 — The precepts of the law are these: to live honorably, to harm no one, to render to every one his due. — Inst. 1.1.3; 1 Bl. Comm. 40; Weisman, 71dd (Juris praecepta sunt haec: honeste vivere, alterum non laedere, suum cuique tribuere.)

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