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NeCede's

Maxim 5.1.4

It is unjust that freemen should not have the free disposal of their own property.

Injustum est, nisi tota lege inspecta, liberos homines non habere liberam potestatem rerum suarum.

Source: Co. Litt. 223a; 4 Kent, Comm. 131; Hob. 87; Weisman, 91e Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

A free man's control over his own property is a fundamental attribute of liberty — any restraint on disposal is a restraint on freedom itself.

Where this applies

  • The government seized my car without a court order.
  • My bank account was frozen without any notice or hearing.
  • The city took my property through eminent domain without proper proceedings.

Legal domains

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 5.1.4 — It is unjust that freemen should not have the free disposal of their own property. — Co. Litt. 223a; 4 Kent, Comm. 131; Hob. 87; Weisman, 91e (Injustum est, nisi tota lege inspecta, liberos homines non habere liberam potestatem rerum suarum.)

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