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NeCede's

Maxim 3.1.2

Language referring to a person is to be understood as referring to his condition or status.

Sermo relatus ad personam intelligi debet de conditione personae.

Source: 4 Co. 16; Weisman, 22ll; Weisman, 76a Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

When a law or instrument speaks of a "person," the reference is to the legal condition — not merely to the physical body.

Where this applies

  • A law refers to a 'person' and the question is whether it means a natural person or a corporation.
  • Legal language about a person is understood to refer to their legal condition.

Legal domains

interpretation

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 3.1.2 — Language referring to a person is to be understood as referring to his condition or status. — 4 Co. 16; Weisman, 22ll; Weisman, 76a (Sermo relatus ad personam intelligi debet de conditione personae.)

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