In cases of extreme necessity, all things are in common.

Explanation

At the extremity of need — shipwreck, famine, imminent peril — private property gives way to the common right of survival, and the taker is excused by the emergency.

Where this applies

• In a life-or-death emergency, private property gives way to the common right of survival.
• Extreme necessity makes all things common — the taker is excused by the emergency.
• At the point of famine or shipwreck, normal property rules are suspended.

See also

• 5.1.3 Property is the proper right by which a man uses his own thing.
• 12.6.5 Necessity overrules the law.