The law holds him excused who chose that his blood should be redeemed on any terms.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Self-preservation is a right recognized by law — a man who acts under duress to save his own life is excused, even if he submitted to terms he would otherwise refuse.

Where this applies

• A prisoner of war who surrenders rather than face certain death is not held as a coward or traitor, because the law excuses self-preservation under mortal threat.
• A man who signs a confession under threat of death is excused by law, because he acted to save his own life.
• A hostage who cooperates with her captors to avoid being killed cannot be prosecuted for aiding them, because the instinct to survive is recognized by law.