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NeCede's

Maxim 2.1.13

Public necessity is greater than private.

Necessitas publica major est quam privata.

Source: Bacon, Max. reg. 12; Noy, Max. Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

When genuine public necessity exists, it takes precedence — but the necessity must be real, not manufactured, and the remedy proportionate. (Duplicate maxim — see also 12.6.9.)

Where this applies

  • The government claims public necessity to justify taking private property.
  • A public safety measure overrides a private property right.

Legal domains

constitutionalsovereignty

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 2.1.13 — Public necessity is greater than private. — Bacon, Max. reg. 12; Noy, Max. (Necessitas publica major est quam privata.)

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