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NeCede's

Maxim 7.4.6

The act of law does injury to no one.

Actus legis nemini facit injuriam.

Source: 2 Inst. 287; 5 Coke, 116; 2 Bl. Comm. 123 Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

The lawful operation of established legal process is not an injury, even when it produces an adverse result — but this protection extends only to acts truly authorized by law. (Duplicate maxim — see also 11.1.1, 1.5.280.)

Where this applies

  • A court ordered foreclosure on my house according to proper legal procedure — was I injured?
  • A lawful arrest resulted in temporary loss of liberty — is that an actionable injury?

Legal domains

constitutionalprocedural

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.4.6 — The act of law does injury to no one. — 2 Inst. 287; 5 Coke, 116; 2 Bl. Comm. 123 (Actus legis nemini facit injuriam.)

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