Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 7.7.2

No one can take advantage of his own wrong.

Nullus commodum capere potest de injuria sua propria.

Source: Co. Litt. 148b; Jenk. Cent. 161; Broom, Max. 279; Weisman, 105b Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

The law will never permit a wrongdoer to profit from his own wrongful act — no right, title, or benefit shall arise from a man's own unlawful conduct.

Where this applies

  • A thief is trying to keep the profits from selling stolen goods.
  • A company that committed fraud wants to keep the money they made from the scheme.

Legal domains

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.7.2 — No one can take advantage of his own wrong. — Co. Litt. 148b; Jenk. Cent. 161; Broom, Max. 279; Weisman, 105b (Nullus commodum capere potest de injuria sua propria.)

Found an error? Suggest a correction →