It is difficult that one man should sustain the place of two.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) The law disfavors placing one person in two incompatible roles — cite this to challenge a dual appointment or conflict of interest where one man is asked to serve as both judge and party, or agent for opposing principals.

Where this applies

• A judge is asked to preside over a case in which he is also a named party; the court removes him because one man cannot properly fill two incompatible roles at once.
• A trustee is also the sole beneficiary of the trust, creating an inherent conflict; the court appoints an independent trustee because it is difficult for one person to sustain the place of two.
• An attorney attempts to serve as both advocate for the plaintiff and mediator in the same dispute; the court disqualifies him because the two roles are irreconcilable.