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NeCede's

Maxim 12.13.7

Hasty counsels are rarely prosperous.

Source: 4 Inst. 57; Weisman, 3a Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Decisions made in haste are prone to error — the law favors deliberation over impulse, and precipitate counsels yield poor results.

Where this applies

  • A city council rushes through an emergency ordinance overnight without public comment, and the law is later struck down for vagueness — haste produced a defective result.
  • A judge issues a restraining order within minutes of hearing one side's argument, and the appellate court reverses because key facts were overlooked in the rush.
  • A corporate board votes on a major merger during a five-minute phone call without reviewing the financials — the hasty decision leads to shareholder losses and litigation.

Legal domains

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 12.13.7 — Hasty counsels are rarely prosperous. — 4 Inst. 57; Weisman, 3a

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