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NeCede's

Maxim 1.7.10

He vainly invokes the aid of the law who transgresses the law.

Frustra legis auxilium quaerit qui in legem committit.

Source: Fleta, lib. 4, c. 2, s. 3; Broom, Max. 279, 297; Weisman, 72n Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

A party who has acted unlawfully cannot turn to the law for relief arising from that very unlawfulness — the courts will not aid one whose own hands are unclean.

Where this applies

  • A criminal sues someone for being injured during the commission of the crime.
  • A party who broke the law seeks the court's protection.

Legal domains

constitutionalcriminal

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.7.10 — He vainly invokes the aid of the law who transgresses the law. — Fleta, lib. 4, c. 2, s. 3; Broom, Max. 279, 297; Weisman, 72n (Frustra legis auxilium quaerit qui in legem committit.)

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