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NeCede's

Maxim 4.4.9

Faith must be kept; the simplicity of the law of nations must prevail.

Fides servanda est; simplicitas juris gentium praevaleat.

Source: Story, *Agency* § 192; Dig. 2, 14, 1 Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Good faith is the foundation of all dealings — both between private parties and between nations. An agent is bound by the confidence reposed in him, and in the law of nations, simplicity and directness of dealing must prevail over technical evasion.

Where this applies

  • An agent betrays the trust of the person who hired them.
  • A fiduciary violates the confidence placed in them.

Legal domains

commercialequity

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 4.4.9 — Faith must be kept; the simplicity of the law of nations must prevail. — Story, *Agency* § 192; Dig. 2, 14, 1 (Fides servanda est; simplicitas juris gentium praevaleat.)

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