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NeCede's

Maxim 7.6.3

He who is once shown to be bad is presumed to remain so in the same kind.

Semel malus, semper praesumitur esse malus in eodem genere.

Source: Cro. Car. 317; Best, Evid. 345; Weisman, 26j; Weisman, 78e Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

A demonstrated pattern of wrongdoing creates a rebuttable presumption of continued misconduct of the same character — past behavior is evidence of present disposition.

Where this applies

  • This contractor has cheated three previous clients — should I trust them with my project?
  • A person with a history of lying is testifying in court — past behavior matters.

Topics

Malice

Legal domains

evidence

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.6.3 — He who is once shown to be bad is presumed to remain so in the same kind. — Cro. Car. 317; Best, Evid. 345; Weisman, 26j; Weisman, 78e (Semel malus, semper praesumitur esse malus in eodem genere.)

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