Where the fault is mutual, the law will leave the case as it finds it.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) When both parties are equally at fault, the law will not intervene for either — the court leaves the loss where it finds it, granting no relief to either side.

Where this applies

• Two drivers run a red light and collide in the intersection — since both were breaking the law, the court refuses to award damages to either one.
• A buyer and seller who both lied to each other during negotiations cannot expect the court to sort out who was cheated worse.
• Two business partners who both secretly skimmed money from the company accounts sue each other for fraud, and the court dismisses both claims.