Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 7.6.5

It is not lawful to do evil that good may come of it.

Non licet ex malo bonum facere.

Source: 11 Coke, 74a; Ex parte Curtis, 106 U.S. 371, 378; Weisman, 78n Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

No desired outcome, however beneficial, can justify the use of unlawful means to achieve it — the end never justifies the means.

Where this applies

  • The government wants to violate my privacy to catch terrorists — the end doesn't justify the means.
  • A prosecutor fabricated evidence to convict someone they believed was guilty.

Topics

Malice

Legal domains

constitutionalcriminal

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.6.5 — It is not lawful to do evil that good may come of it. — 11 Coke, 74a; Ex parte Curtis, 106 U.S. 371, 378; Weisman, 78n (Non licet ex malo bonum facere.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →