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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