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NeCede's

Maxim 7.3.4

Corruption is always the forerunner of despotism.

Corruptio est semper praecursor despotismi.

Source: Meguire v. Corwine, 101 U.S. 108, 111-12; Weisman, 25f Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Where public officers engage in corrupt practices, tyranny inevitably follows — corruption in government is not an isolated vice but the gateway to the loss of all liberty.

Where this applies

  • Government officials are engaging in insider dealing — this is how tyranny starts.
  • Police corruption in a small town is leading to systematic abuse of citizens' rights.

Topics

Abuse of PowerCorruption

Legal domains

constitutionalcriminal

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.3.4 — Corruption is always the forerunner of despotism. — Meguire v. Corwine, 101 U.S. 108, 111-12; Weisman, 25f (Corruptio est semper praecursor despotismi.)

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