Maxim 7.1.22
Mayhem is the least of great crimes, and the greatest of small.
Mathemium est inter crimina majora minimum, et inter minora maximum.
Source: Bouvier's Law Dictionary; Co. Litt. 127
Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate
Explanation
Mayhem occupies a middle position in the hierarchy of offenses, marking the boundary between capital crimes and lesser wrongs.
Where this applies
- Where does mayhem fall in the hierarchy of criminal offenses?
- An assault that causes permanent disfigurement — how serious is that compared to other crimes?
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 7.1.22 — Mayhem is the least of great crimes, and the greatest of small. — Bouvier's Law Dictionary; Co. Litt. 127 (Mathemium est inter crimina majora minimum, et inter minora maximum.)
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