The law would rather tolerate a private loss than a public evil.

Explanation

Between private hardship and public harm, the law accepts the former to prevent the latter — but this is a principle of last resort, not a license to sacrifice individual rights at will. In the American system, this principle is bounded by the Bill of Rights — no public interest can destroy a secured right.

Where this applies

• An individual suffers a loss to prevent a greater harm to the public.
• A government action harms a few people but protects the community.

See also

• 2.1.3 The welfare of the People is the supreme law.
• 2.1.13 Public necessity is greater than private.