Where the law compels a man to show cause, it is incumbent that the cause be just and lawful.

Explanation

When a party is ordered to show cause, vague or pretextual reasons will not suffice — the cause shown must be substantive, lawful, and sufficient to justify the act in question.

Where this applies

• A court orders someone to show cause and they give a vague or pretextual reason.
• A government agency is challenged to show its authority and provides an insufficient answer.