Corruption

That which is bad in its beginning does not improve by lapse of time.

Quod ab initio non valet, in tractu temporis non convalescet.

Source: Broom, Max. 178; 4 Coke, 2

An act founded in corruption cannot ripen into legitimacy merely because no one challenged it promptly — illegality at the root is permanent.

The corruption of the best is the worst.

Corruptio optimi pessima.

Source: Black's, 2d. 277; Weisman, 25d

When those entrusted with the highest offices and duties become corrupt, the resulting injury to the public trust is the most severe.

A poisonous gloss is one which corrupts the substance of the text.

Glossa venenata est quae corrumpit viscera textus.

Source: 11 Coke, 34; Weisman, 25c

An interpretation that twists a law's plain meaning to serve corrupt purposes destroys the law itself — the corruption of the text is worse than ignoring it entirely.

Corruption is always the forerunner of despotism.

Corruptio est semper praecursor despotismi.

Source: Meguire v. Corwine, 101 U.S. 108, 111-12; Weisman, 25f

Where public officers engage in corrupt practices, tyranny inevitably follows — corruption in government is not an isolated vice but the gateway to the loss of all liberty.

Abuse does not take away use.

Abusus non tollit usum.

Source: Dav. Ir. K.B. 79

The fact that a right or power has been abused does not justify abolishing it — the remedy for abuse is correction, not extinction.

An evil custom is to be abolished.

Malus usus abolendus est.

Source: Co. Litt. 141; Weisman, 78h

No custom or practice, however long-standing, can survive once shown to be contrary to right — duration does not convert wrong into right.