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NeCede's

Maxim 8.3.10

Favor ought not to bend justice, power ought not to break it, nor money to corrupt it.

Favor non debet flectere justitiam, potestas non frangere, pecunia non corrumpere.

Source: Cicero, Fragmenta de Republica; Halk. Max.; Weisman, 68k Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

The three mortal enemies of justice are influence, force, and bribery — any court susceptible to any of these has ceased to be a court.

Where this applies

  • A wealthy litigant is getting favorable treatment because they donated to the judge's campaign.
  • A powerful politician is pressuring the court to rule a certain way.

Topics

Justice

Legal domains

constitutionalprocedural

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 8.3.10 — Favor ought not to bend justice, power ought not to break it, nor money to corrupt it. — Cicero, Fragmenta de Republica; Halk. Max.; Weisman, 68k (Favor non debet flectere justitiam, potestas non frangere, pecunia non corrumpere.)

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