Maxim 5.7.14
An act already begun, the completion of which depends on the will of the parties, may be recalled; but if it depend on the consent of a third person, or on a contingency, it cannot.
Actus inceptus cujus perfectio pendet ex voluntate partium revocari potest; si autem pendet ex voluntate tertiae personae vel ex contingenti, revocari non potest.
Source: Bac. Max. Reg. 20; Jackson; Weisman, 7d
Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate
Explanation
A revocable act is one that rests entirely in the hands of the parties — once a third party's rights or an external contingency intervene, the power of revocation is lost.
Where this applies
- I started a transaction that depends on my partner's approval — can I still back out?
- A deal requires a third party's consent — at what point can I no longer revoke it?
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 5.7.14 — An act already begun, the completion of which depends on the will of the parties, may be recalled; but if it depend on the consent of a third person, or on a contingency, it cannot. — Bac. Max. Reg. 20; Jackson; Weisman, 7d (Actus inceptus cujus perfectio pendet ex voluntate partium revocari potest; si autem pendet ex voluntate tertiae personae vel ex contingenti, revocari non potest.)
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