Suppressio Veri – Legal Maxim of the Day

century law firm legal maxim suppressio veri

Term- suppressio veri

Translation- suppression of the truth

Definition- Willful concealment of the truth when bound to reveal it, such as withholding details of damage from an auto accident from a prospective buyer of the car in that accident.

“Suppressio veri” is a Latin term that means “suppression of truth.” In a legal context, it refers to a situation where someone deliberately withholds or conceals relevant information in order to mislead another party.

For example, if a seller of a property knows that there is a serious defect in the property but fails to disclose this information to the buyer, they may be accused of suppressio veri. Similarly, if a witness in a court case knows about evidence that would be beneficial to one side but chooses not to disclose it, they may be accused of suppressio veri.

The concept of suppressio veri is important because it helps to ensure that parties to a legal dispute are able to make informed decisions based on all relevant information. By requiring parties to disclose all relevant information, the legal system can help to prevent fraud, deception, and other forms of misconduct that undermine the integrity of the legal process.

Overall, suppressio veri is an important legal term that reflects the need for parties to be honest and forthcoming in their dealings with one another. By requiring parties to disclose all relevant information, the legal system can help to ensure that justice is served and that the rights of all parties are protected.