He in vain sues, who cannot prosecute his judgment with effect.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) A plaintiff who cannot enforce a judgment gains nothing by obtaining it — the law discourages suits where the remedy, even if granted, would be illusory.

Where this applies

• A plaintiff wins a judgment against a defendant who has no assets, no income, and has fled the country — the victory is meaningless because the judgment cannot be enforced.
• A creditor considers suing a bankrupt debtor but decides against it, because even a favorable ruling would be uncollectible.
• A tenant sues a defunct landlord corporation for return of her security deposit, but the company has dissolved and has no remaining assets to satisfy any judgment.