146. Mala grammatica non vitiat chartam. Bad grammar does not vitiate a deed or document.
(See Chitty on Contracts, 16th ed. p. 112, and Max. No. 89.)
147. Malus usus est abolendus. An evil custom ought to be abolished.
148. Melior est justicia vere praeveniens quam severe puniens. Justice is better when it prevents rather than punishes with severity.
149. Melius est petere fontes quam sectari rivulos. It is better to go to the fountain head than to follow rivulets.
All students will find this advice the best and safest to follow. (See Preface to this edition.)
150. Minatur innocentibus qui parcit nocentibus. He who spares the guilty threatens the innocent.
151. Minimè mutanda sunt quae certam habet interpretationem. Such things as have a clear interpretation ought to be changed but little.
This maxim is well illustrated by many of the old-fashioned technical terms used in conveyancing, and which by long usage have obtained a well-defined meaning, and one that cannot be well met by the use of any other word or expression, as the case may be.
* 152. Mobilia sequuntur personam. Movables follow the person.