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NeCede's

Maxim 7.8.21

No wise man punishes that things done may be revoked, but that future wrongs may be prevented.

Nemo prudens punit ut praeterita revocentur, sed ut futura praeveniantur.

Source: Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 3 Buls. 173; Weisman, 92gg Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

The purpose of punishment is prevention, not revenge — the law looks forward to deterrence rather than backward to retribution.

Where this applies

  • The purpose of prison is to prevent future crimes, not to get revenge for past ones.
  • Punishment should look forward to deterrence, not backward to retribution.

Legal domains

criminal

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 7.8.21 — No wise man punishes that things done may be revoked, but that future wrongs may be prevented. — Bouvier's Law Dictionary; 3 Buls. 173; Weisman, 92gg (Nemo prudens punit ut praeterita revocentur, sed ut futura praeveniantur.)

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