141. Lex respicit aequitatem. The law has regard to equity.
The provisions of the Judicature Acts are a good illustration. (See Max. No. 136.)
142. Linea recta semper praefertur transversali. The right line is always preferred to the collateral.
By 3 & 4 Will. IV. c. 106, “The lineal descendants in infinitum of any persons deceased shall represent their ancestor; that is, shall stand in the same place as the person himself would have done had he been living.” The eldest male alone inherits where two or more are in equal degree of consanguinity to the purchaser; females inherit altogether. (See Williams on Real Property, 20th ed. Cap. IX.)
143. Littera scripta manet, vox emissa volat. What is written endures, things spoken speed away.
The distinction of damages in actions for libel and slander form a good illustration of what is meant by this maxim. (See Max. No. 286.)
144. Locus regit actum. The place governs the act.
The law of the place where a legal transaction was entered into—Lex loci contractus—usually governs its validity.
* 145. Magis de bono quam de malo lex intendit. The law is in favour rather of a good than of a bad construction (or intention).
If in a contract the words used are capable of two constructions, the one in conformity with, and the other against the law, the former is adopted. Every accused person is presumed in the law to be innocent until he be proved guilty. (See Chitty on Contracts, 16th ed. p. 97, and Max. No. 169.)