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NeCede's

Maxim 3.4.6

No one is bound to give information about things he is ignorant of, but everyone is bound to know that which he gives information about.

Nemo tenetur informare quod nescit, sed quisquis scire quod informat.

Source: Branch, Princ.; Black's Law Dict. (2d) 815; Weisman, 69q Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

One who volunteers information warrants its truth. Ignorance excuses silence — it does not excuse affirmative misrepresentation.

Where this applies

  • Someone gives false information about a property they are selling.
  • A person provides inaccurate details about something they have a duty to know about.

Legal domains

contracttort

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 3.4.6 — No one is bound to give information about things he is ignorant of, but everyone is bound to know that which he gives information about. — Branch, Princ.; Black's Law Dict. (2d) 815; Weisman, 69q (Nemo tenetur informare quod nescit, sed quisquis scire quod informat.)

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