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NeCede's

Maxim 7.1.20

All crimes committed openly are considered lighter.

Omnia delicta in aperto leviora sunt.

Source: Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 8 Co. 127; Weisman, 26aa Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

An offense committed in the open carries less moral weight than one carried out in secret, because concealment implies a deliberate effort to evade justice.

Where this applies

  • A crime committed in broad daylight in front of witnesses vs one committed in secret — which is worse?
  • Concealing a crime shows greater deliberation and moral culpability.

Legal domains

criminal

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.1.20 — All crimes committed openly are considered lighter. — Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 8 Co. 127; Weisman, 26aa (Omnia delicta in aperto leviora sunt.)

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