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NeCede's

Maxim 7.4.4

He who does not repel an injury when he can, invites it.

Qui non repellit injuriam quando potest, inducit.

Source: Jenk. Cent. 271; Weisman, 59f Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

A man who has the power to resist a wrong and does nothing makes himself partly responsible for the harm that follows — rights must be defended or they will be lost.

Where this applies

  • I saw my rights being violated and did nothing — am I partly to blame?
  • The community watched corruption grow for years without speaking up — now it's worse than ever.

Topics

Injury & Damages

Legal domains

constitutionalsovereignty

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.4.4 — He who does not repel an injury when he can, invites it. — Jenk. Cent. 271; Weisman, 59f (Qui non repellit injuriam quando potest, inducit.)

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