He who overthrows the cause overthrows its future effects.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Defeating the root cause extinguishes every consequence that flows from it — strike down the foundation and the structure built upon it falls.

Where this applies

• A court declares a fraudulent contract void from the beginning, and all subsequent transfers of property made under that contract are automatically nullified.
• A zoning ordinance is struck down as unconstitutional, and every fine and penalty imposed under it is also reversed — destroy the root and the branches fall.
• An appellate court overturns a conviction, and the probation conditions, fines, and restitution orders that flowed from it are all vacated.