Maxim 8.5.14
An action does not arise from a base cause.
Ex turpi causa non oritur actio.
Source: Cowp. 843; Jackson
Difficulty 3/5 — Intermediate
Explanation
No court will lend its aid to a party whose claim is founded upon his own immoral or illegal conduct — the law will not enforce a right arising from turpitude.
Where this applies
- I'm trying to enforce a gambling debt — the court won't help because the underlying activity is illegal.
- A drug dealer wants to sue their partner for breach of their drug distribution agreement.
Legal domains
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 8.5.14 — An action does not arise from a base cause. — Cowp. 843; Jackson (Ex turpi causa non oritur actio.)
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