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NeCede's

Maxim 1.7.28

The law commands no useless things, because useless labor is foolish.

Lex non praecipit inutilia, quia inutilis labor stultus.

Source: Co. Litt. 197 Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

The law does not require men to perform acts that serve no legal purpose — compliance with meaningless formalities is not demanded.

Where this applies

  • A regulation requires a completely pointless filing.
  • A court order demands an action that accomplishes nothing.

Legal domains

procedural

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 1.7.28 — The law commands no useless things, because useless labor is foolish. — Co. Litt. 197 (Lex non praecipit inutilia, quia inutilis labor stultus.)

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