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NeCede's

Maxim 7.1.12

He threatens the innocent who spares the guilty.

Minatur innocentibus, qui parcit nocentibus.

Source: 4 Co. 45; Jackson; Weisman, 92x Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Failure to punish the guilty emboldens wrongdoers and leaves the innocent exposed to future harm — leniency toward criminals is cruelty toward their victims.

Where this applies

  • A district attorney keeps letting repeat offenders go free — isn't that endangering the innocent?
  • The judge gave a serial offender probation again — how does that protect future victims?

Legal domains

criminal

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.1.12 — He threatens the innocent who spares the guilty. — 4 Co. 45; Jackson; Weisman, 92x (Minatur innocentibus, qui parcit nocentibus.)

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