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NeCede's

Maxim 8.1.26

It is unjust to judge of any part unless the whole sentence is examined.

Incivile est nisi tota sententia perspecta de aliqua parte judicare.

Source: Hob. 171; Jackson Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

No portion of a judgment, instrument, or statute may be construed in isolation — the whole must be read together before any part can be properly understood.

Where this applies

  • The other side is quoting one sentence from the ruling out of context.
  • You have to read the entire judgment before you can understand any part of it.

Legal domains

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 8.1.26 — It is unjust to judge of any part unless the whole sentence is examined. — Hob. 171; Jackson (Incivile est nisi tota sententia perspecta de aliqua parte judicare.)

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