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NeCede's

Maxim 10.2.33

Words spoken to one end ought not to be perverted to another.

Quae ad unum finem loquuta sunt, non debent ad alium detorqueri.

Source: 4 Co. 14; Bouvier Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Language drafted for a specific purpose must not be wrested from that purpose and applied to a different end — every provision has its proper office and must not be conscripted into foreign service. (Duplicate maxim — see also 1.5.200.)

Where this applies

  • Language drafted for one purpose is being twisted and applied to something completely different.
  • They're taking words from one context and using them for a purpose they were never meant for.
  • A provision written for a specific end shouldn't be hijacked for a different purpose.

Legal domains

interpretationprocedural

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 10.2.33 — Words spoken to one end ought not to be perverted to another. — 4 Co. 14; Bouvier (Quae ad unum finem loquuta sunt, non debent ad alium detorqueri.)

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