Maxim 11.2.7
Writings remain; words fly away.
Scripta manent, verba volant.
Source: Attributed to Caius Titus, Roman Senate; Broom, Max. 312 (principle)
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
The enduring nature of a written instrument is why the law favors documented evidence over oral testimony — what is written persists; what is spoken vanishes.
Where this applies
- I should have gotten it in writing because now they deny the verbal agreement.
- Written documents persist and can be proven — oral promises vanish.
- The law favors written evidence because it endures where spoken words disappear.
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 11.2.7 — Writings remain; words fly away. — Attributed to Caius Titus, Roman Senate; Broom, Max. 312 (principle) (Scripta manent, verba volant.)
Found an error? Suggest a correction →