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NeCede's

Maxim 11.1.8

In things that are favorable to the spirit, though injurious to things, an extension of a statute should sometimes be made.

In rebus quae sunt favorabilia animae, quamvis sunt damnosa rebus, fiat aliquando extensio statuti.

Source: 10 Co. 101; Jackson Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

Statutes may be extended beyond their strict letter when the soul's welfare is at stake, even at the cost of temporal property — the law favors the spiritual over the material.

Where this applies

  • A statute should be extended when it protects spiritual welfare even at some material cost.
  • The law favors the spiritual over the material when the two conflict.
  • Things favorable to the soul may justify stretching a statute beyond its strict letter.

Legal domains

constitutionalinterpretation

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 11.1.8 — In things that are favorable to the spirit, though injurious to things, an extension of a statute should sometimes be made. — 10 Co. 101; Jackson (In rebus quae sunt favorabilia animae, quamvis sunt damnosa rebus, fiat aliquando extensio statuti.)

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