It is not permitted to be wiser than the laws. In the words of Hobbes (Leviathan, ch. 29), “the law is the public conscience,” and every citizen owes to it an undivided allegiance, not to be limited by any private views of justice or expediency. See § 9.
23. Nemo plus juris ad alium transferre potest, quam ipse haberet.
D. 50. 17. 54.
The title of an assignee can be no better than that of his assignor. Cf. the maxim: Nemo dat qui non habet. See § 163.
24. Nemo tenetur se ipsum accusare.
The law compels no man to be his own accuser or to give any testimony against himself—a principle now limited to the criminal law. See § 175.
25. Nemo dat qui non habet.
No man can give a better title than that which he himself has. See § 163.
26. Non omne quod licet honestum est.
D. 50. 15. 144. pr.