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NeCede's

Maxim 3.6.10

The intention amounts to nothing unless some effect follows.

Intentio cadit ad nihil nisi sequatur aliquis effectus.

Source: 1 Rolle, 226; Bouvier, Law Dict. 143; Weisman, 60c Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Mere intention, without any overt act in furtherance of it, creates no legal liability. The law punishes acts, not thoughts.

Where this applies

  • Someone has bad intentions but never acts on them.
  • A person is investigated for thoughts or plans they never carried out.

Legal domains

criminal

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 3.6.10 — The intention amounts to nothing unless some effect follows. — 1 Rolle, 226; Bouvier, Law Dict. 143; Weisman, 60c (Intentio cadit ad nihil nisi sequatur aliquis effectus.)

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