Injuria non excusat injuriam: Meaning, Explanation, Examples & Case Laws

Literal meaning	One wrong does not excuse another
Pronunciation	in-JOO-ree-ah non ex-KYOO-sat in-JOO-ree-am

A wrong done by one person does not justify a wrong in return. The injured person must use the law and not take revenge.

Example

A shopkeeper catches a thief, then beats him up. The shopkeeper cannot say the thief's theft excuses the beating.

Exceptions / limits

The person wronged may use reasonable force in self-defence. The earlier wrong may reduce damages in some cases, but it is not a defence.

Exam tip

Asked with the defence of self-help in torts.

Memory trick

Two wrongs do not make a right.

Key takeaway

A wrong by another person does not excuse your own wrong.