Maxim 4.2.3
Heir is a name of law; son is a name of nature.
Haeres est nomen juris, filius est nomen naturae.
Source: Bacon, Max. Reg. 11; Jackson, *Latin for Lawyers* (1915), Max. 325; Weisman, 58ii
Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable
Explanation
The status of heir is a legal construction tied to rules of succession; the status of son is a fact of nature — the two do not always coincide.
Where this applies
- A biological child is not necessarily the legal heir.
- Someone is the natural son but not the legal heir due to rules of succession.
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 4.2.3 — Heir is a name of law; son is a name of nature. — Bacon, Max. Reg. 11; Jackson, *Latin for Lawyers* (1915), Max. 325; Weisman, 58ii (Haeres est nomen juris, filius est nomen naturae.)
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