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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