Maxim 7.3.1
That which is bad in its beginning does not improve by lapse of time.
Quod ab initio non valet, in tractu temporis non convalescet.
Source: Broom, Max. 178; 4 Coke, 2
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
An act founded in corruption cannot ripen into legitimacy merely because no one challenged it promptly — illegality at the root is permanent.
Where this applies
- A law was unconstitutional when passed 50 years ago — has time made it valid?
- An illegal government program has been running for decades — does that make it legitimate now?
Topics
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 7.3.1 — That which is bad in its beginning does not improve by lapse of time. — Broom, Max. 178; 4 Coke, 2 (Quod ab initio non valet, in tractu temporis non convalescet.)
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