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