The punishment due to a crime of which one falsely accuses another should be inflicted upon the perjured informer.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) One who bears false witness to secure another's punishment has committed an offense equal to the harm sought — justice demands that the perjured accuser suffer the very penalty he attempted to bring upon the innocent. This principle deters the weaponization of the legal process against the People.

Where this applies

• Someone files a false criminal complaint and faces the very penalty they sought against the accused.
• A witness fabricates testimony to convict an innocent person and is prosecuted for the perjury.