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legal_language:de_minimis_non_curat_lex_211028122018 [2021/05/25 18:19]
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 +====== De minimis non curat lex ======
 +
 +**Of trifles the law does not concern itself. **
 +
 +This is shown in the refusal of the courts to grant new trials 
 +in trifling cases, or where the damages are small ; in 
 +discountenancing, and even refusing to try, trifling actions ; in 
 +amending proceedings for defect in form, or trifling irregularities ; in putting a reasonable construction upon the law, and 
 +in discouraging litigation upon mere technicalities. Courts of 
 +equity will not, as a rule, entertain a suit where the amount of 
 +property in question is under 200/., nor will they allow a bill to 
 +be filed where the matter in question does not exceed 10l. The 
 +superior courts of common law will not try an action of debt 
 +under 40s. ; and in actions for damages merely, and not to try a 
 +right, they mark the light in which they view trifling suits by 
 +refusing costs to the successful party where the circumstances of 
 +the case require them so to do. Where the action is in damages 
 +the question of costs is regulated by various statutes, as for 
 +example : — By statute 43 Eliz. c. 6, it is enacted that where the 
 +debt or damage does not exceed 40s. the plaintiff shall not be 
 +entitled to more costs than damages ; by statute 3 & 4 Vict. 
 +c. 24, that he shall not be entitled to any costs in trespass or 
 +case where 40s. only shall be recovered, unless the judge certify 
 +that the action was to try a right, or that the trespass or 
 +grievance was willful and malicious ; and by 23 & 24 Vict. c. 126, 
 +that where the plaintiff, in an action in the superior courts for 
 +an alleged wrong, recovers less than 51., he shall not recover any 
 +costs in case the judge certify that the action was not to try a 
 +right, or that the trespass or grievance in respect of which the 
 +action was brought was not willful and malicious, and that the 
 +action was not fit to be brought, and so in like cases. 
 +
 +
 +
 +It was upon this principle that the County Courts were 
 +established to try trifling actions, first, to the extent of 40s., 
 +next of 20l., and now of 50l. And, as to costs, allowing to the 
 +successful party : under 40s., nothing ; under 201., next to 
 +nothing ; and above 20l., a more trifle. So no appeal is allowed 
 +in those courts where, in debt and interpleader the amount 
 +claimed, in replevin the rent or damage, and in recovery of 
 +tenements the yearly rent or value, does not exceed 20l. 
 +
 +Where there is any miscarriage or damage by default of a 
 +judge, however, the courts are careful to interfere in the most 
 +trifling cases, and will grant new trials for the improper reception 
 +of the smallest particle of evidence, or for misdirection, in the 
 +most trifling cases, where the justice of the case requires it. But 
 +the court will not, as a general rule, grant a new trial in an 
 +action for tort on account of the smallness of the damages ; and 
 +they have refused to grant it where, in an action against a 
 +surgeon for negligence, whereby the plaintiff lost his leg, the 
 +jury only gave nominal damages. So the court will not grant a 
 +new trial where the value of the matter in dispute, or the amount 
 +of damages to which the plaintiff would be entitled, is too 
 +inconsiderable to merit a second trial. 
 +
 +By the Stamp Acts, legacies under 20l. are exempt from duty ; 
 +so, under the Savings Bank Acts, administration need not be 
 +taken out for sums less than 50l. ; the interests of the revenue 
 +being in such trifling cases disregarded. The Court of Chancery, 
 +also, will pay out sums of money and shares of estates without 
 +administration where they do not amount to 20l. 
 +
 +----
 +
 +Cro. Eliz. 353 ; 2 Bla. Com. ; 'J & 10 Vict. c. 95 ; 13 & 14 Vict. c. 61 ; 
 +Kennard v. Jones, 4 T. R. 495 ; Wilson v. Rastall, 4 T. R. 753 ; Wellington 
 +v. Arters, 5 T. R. 64 ; Hayne v. Davey, 4 A. & E. 8112 ; Eoosey v. Purday, 
 +4 Exch. 145 ; Branson „. Didsbury, 12 A. & E. 631 ; Manton c. Bales, 
 +1 C. B. 444 ; Hawkins v. Alder, 18 C. B. 640 ; Marsh v. Bower, 2 W. Bl. 
 +851 ; Rochdale C. C. c. King, 14 Q. B. 122 ; Reg. v. Betts, 16 Q. B. 1022 ; 
 +Hinnings v. Hinnings, 10 L. T. (X.S.) 294 ; Gibbs r. Turmaley, 1 C. B. 640 ; 
 +Jones r. Tatham, 8 Taunt. 634. 
 +