Maxim 7.8.12
As wickedness increases, so ought the punishment to increase.
Crescente malitia crescere debet et poena.
Source: 2 Inst. 479
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
The severity of punishment must match the severity of the offense — habitual or aggravated wrongdoing justifies proportionally greater penalties.
Where this applies
- A repeat offender should face harsher penalties than a first-time offender.
- The more persistent the criminal behavior, the greater the punishment should be.
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 7.8.12 — As wickedness increases, so ought the punishment to increase. — 2 Inst. 479 (Crescente malitia crescere debet et poena.)
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