Maxim 3.5.5
The law aids the ignorant.
Lex succurrit ignoranti.
Source: Jenk. Cent. 15; Weisman, 44i; Weisman, 57h
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
Equity steps in where strict law would punish a party who acted in genuine ignorance of a material fact — particularly where the other party possessed superior knowledge.
Where this applies
- A naive party is taken advantage of by a sophisticated one.
- Someone with no business experience is tricked into a bad deal.
Topics
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 3.5.5 — The law aids the ignorant. — Jenk. Cent. 15; Weisman, 44i; Weisman, 57h (Lex succurrit ignoranti.)
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