Maxim 7.1.6
Drunkenness both inflames and reveals every crime.
Omne crimen ebrietas et incendit et detegit.
Source: Co. Litt. 241a; 4 Bl. Comm. 26; Broom, Max. 17
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
Intoxication is no defense to criminal conduct — it aggravates rather than excuses, and the law holds a man accountable for what he does when drunk.
Where this applies
- I was drunk when I got in a fight — does that excuse me?
- A driver caused an accident while intoxicated — can they claim they didn't know what they were doing?
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 7.1.6 — Drunkenness both inflames and reveals every crime. — Co. Litt. 241a; 4 Bl. Comm. 26; Broom, Max. 17 (Omne crimen ebrietas et incendit et detegit.)
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