He will not be considered as using force who exercises his rights and proceeds by forms of law.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) One who pursues his rights through proper legal channels is not considered to be using force — lawful process, even if coercive in effect, is not wrongful compulsion.

Where this applies

• A creditor files a lawsuit and obtains a court judgment to garnish a debtor's wages, and the debtor cannot claim duress because the creditor used lawful legal process.
• A property owner records a lien and initiates foreclosure proceedings through proper legal channels, and the debtor cannot claim the owner is using force because lawful process is not compulsion.
• A landlord serves a proper eviction notice and obtains a court order for removal, and the tenant cannot claim the landlord is using force because following established legal procedures is not wrongful coercion.