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NeCede's

Maxim 9.1.18

Facts are more powerful than words.

Facta sunt potentiora verbis.

Source: Bouvier's Law Dictionary; Weisman, 101d Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational

Explanation

Deeds and circumstances carry greater evidentiary weight than mere declarations — the law looks to what was done, not merely what was said. (Duplicate maxim — see also 11.2.1.)

Where this applies

  • The other party says one thing but their actions tell a completely different story.
  • Someone promised to do something but their behavior shows the opposite intent.
  • They keep making claims that contradict what they actually did.

Legal domains

See also

Cite this maxim

NeCede Max. 9.1.18 — Facts are more powerful than words. — Bouvier's Law Dictionary; Weisman, 101d (Facta sunt potentiora verbis.)

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