Nothing can be demanded before the time when, by the nature of things, it can be performed.

Explanation

A premature demand is no demand at all — the cause of action must be ripe before the court will entertain it. (Duplicate maxim — see also 6.5.4.)

Where this applies

• The landlord is demanding rent for next year even though it's not due yet.
• A creditor filed suit before the debt was even due — the claim isn't ripe.

See also

• 6.5.4 Nothing can be demanded before the time when, by the nature of things, it can be paid.
• 8.5.10 The defrauding of one person does not afford an action to another.