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NeCede's

Maxim 3.1.6

No one can improve his condition by his own misdeed.

Nemo potest conditionem suam meliorem facere delicto suo.

Source: Dig. 50, 17, 134, 1; Broom, Max. 299; Weisman, 19f; Weisman, 76g Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

A wrongdoer cannot claim a legal benefit arising from his own wrong — no man shall profit from his own unlawful act.

Where this applies

  • A thief sues for injuries suffered while committing the theft.
  • Someone who caused a problem tries to benefit from the situation they created.

Legal domains

criminalequity

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 3.1.6 — No one can improve his condition by his own misdeed. — Dig. 50, 17, 134, 1; Broom, Max. 299; Weisman, 19f; Weisman, 76g (Nemo potest conditionem suam meliorem facere delicto suo.)

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