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NeCede's

Maxim 7.8.13

In penal causes the interpretation ought to be the more favourable.

In penalibus causis benignius interpretandum est.

Source: D. 50, 17, 155; Jackson Difficulty 2/5 — Approachable

Explanation

Penal statutes and criminal provisions must be construed strictly and in favor of the accused — ambiguity in the law may not be resolved to the defendant's disadvantage.

Where this applies

  • A criminal statute is vaguely worded — should the court interpret it broadly or narrowly?
  • The law could be read to criminalize my conduct or not — which way should the court lean?

Legal domains

criminalinterpretation

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.8.13 — In penal causes the interpretation ought to be the more favourable. — D. 50, 17, 155; Jackson (In penalibus causis benignius interpretandum est.)

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