Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 12.3.4

Too great subtlety is disapproved in law.

Nimia subtilitas in jure reprobatur.

Source: 4 Co. 5; Broom, Max. (3d Lond. ed.) 175; Weisman, 15f Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Overly fine distinctions that serve no practical purpose are rejected — the pretense of hyper-precision can itself destroy genuine certainty.

Where this applies

  • The other side is making overly fine distinctions that serve no practical purpose.
  • Too much subtlety in legal reasoning is counterproductive.
  • Hair-splitting precision can actually destroy genuine certainty.

Legal domains

interpretation

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 12.3.4 — Too great subtlety is disapproved in law. — 4 Co. 5; Broom, Max. (3d Lond. ed.) 175; Weisman, 15f (Nimia subtilitas in jure reprobatur.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →