259. Summum jus, summa injuria. Where the law is most strictly administered, it sometimes causes the greatest wrong.
It frequently happens that a plaintiff or defendant loses his case, although morally in the right, on account of some technicality which has not been observed.
* 260. Suppressio veri suggestio est falsi. Withholding the truth suggests falsehood.
(See also Max. No. 98.)
261. Testamentum omne morte consummatur. Every will is perfected by death.
A will speaks from the time of death only. (See Max. No. 189.)
262. Testes ponderantur, non numerantur. Witnesses are weighed (considered at their proper worth), not numbered.
The evidence of one credible witness counts for more than that of any number who cannot be relied upon.
263. Testis nemo in suâ causâ esse potest. No one can be a witness on his own behalf.
This rule applies to criminal charges, and its effect is continually being modified by legislation. The opinion of those best qualified to judge, differs whether or not all accused persons should not be competent witnesses.