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NeCede's

Maxim 7.2.16

What is otherwise good and just, if sought by force or fraud, becomes bad and unjust.

Quod alias bonum et justum est, si per vim vel fraudem petatur, malum et injustum efficitur.

Source: Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 3 Co. 78; Weisman, 29j Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Even a rightful claim is corrupted when pursued through unlawful means — the manner of seeking justice must itself be just.

Where this applies

  • I have a legitimate claim to the property but I'm using threats and intimidation to get it.
  • Even if my cause is just, pursuing it through unlawful means corrupts the claim.

Legal domains

equityprocedural

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.2.16 — What is otherwise good and just, if sought by force or fraud, becomes bad and unjust. — Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 3 Co. 78; Weisman, 29j (Quod alias bonum et justum est, si per vim vel fraudem petatur, malum et injustum efficitur.)

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