One wrong does not excuse another.

Explanation

That another man wronged you first grants no license to wrong him in return — each wrong must be answered for independently.

Where this applies

• My neighbor vandalized my property so I vandalized theirs — that doesn't make me right.
• The government violated my rights so I refused to pay taxes — two wrongs don't make a right.

See also

• 7.4.10 Something is conceded, which otherwise would not be conceded, lest an injury should remain unpunished.
• 7.6.5 It is not lawful to do evil that good may come of it.