Skip to content
NeCede's

Maxim 8.3.18

The law favors justice and right.

Source: Wing. Max. 141; Weisman, 68i Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) In every doubtful case, the law leans toward justice and right — legal presumptions and constructions always favor the just outcome.

Where this applies

  • A court interprets an ambiguous contract clause in favor of the party who did not draft it, because when in doubt, the law leans toward the just result.
  • A judge construes a vague statute in a way that protects individual rights rather than expanding government power, because the law favors justice.
  • When two equally plausible readings of a will exist, the court chooses the one that avoids disinheriting a dependent child, because legal presumptions favor what is right.

Legal domains

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 8.3.18 — The law favors justice and right. — Wing. Max. 141; Weisman, 68i

Found an error? Suggest a correction →