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NeCede's

Maxim 8.3.16

It is always safer to err in acquitting than in punishing: on the side of mercy, than of strict justice.

Tutius semper est errare acquietando quam in puniendo, ex parte misericordiae quam ex parte justitiae.

Source: H. H. P.C. 290; Jackson; Weisman, 64o Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

When the court is uncertain, it is better to let a guilty man go free than to punish an innocent one — mercy in doubt is the safer course for the preservation of justice.

Where this applies

  • The jury is unsure whether the defendant is guilty — they should acquit rather than convict.
  • When in doubt, it's safer to free a guilty person than to punish an innocent one.

Legal domains

criminalprocedural

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 8.3.16 — It is always safer to err in acquitting than in punishing: on the side of mercy, than of strict justice. — H. H. P.C. 290; Jackson; Weisman, 64o (Tutius semper est errare acquietando quam in puniendo, ex parte misericordiae quam ex parte justitiae.)

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