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NeCede's

Maxim 3.5.6

Ignorance of one's own right does not prejudice the right.

Ignorantia juris sui non praejudicat juri.

Source: Lofft. 552; Haven v. Foster, 9 Pick. (Mass.) 130, 19 Am. Dec. 353; Morgan, Eng. Legal Maxims no. 805; Weisman, 57j Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

A right exists whether or not the holder knows he possesses it. Ignorance of the right delays its exercise but does not destroy it.

Where this applies

  • A person does not know they own a piece of property they inherited.
  • Someone's right exists even though they do not realize they have it.

Legal domains

constitutionalproperty

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 3.5.6 — Ignorance of one's own right does not prejudice the right. — Lofft. 552; Haven v. Foster, 9 Pick. (Mass.) 130, 19 Am. Dec. 353; Morgan, Eng. Legal Maxims no. 805; Weisman, 57j (Ignorantia juris sui non praejudicat juri.)

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