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NeCede's

Maxim 11.1.35

An act done by me, against my will, is not my act.

Source: Branch, Princ.; Bract. 101b; Cycl. Dict. 25; Weisman, 2q

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) An act performed under compulsion is legally void — the law requires a voluntary will behind every binding act.

Where this applies

  • A person signs a document under threat of force and later challenges its validity.
  • Someone is compelled to act by duress and denies responsibility for the coerced act.

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 11.1.35 — An act done by me, against my will, is not my act. — Branch, Princ.; Bract. 101b; Cycl. Dict. 25; Weisman, 2q

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