Question

What is the correct meaning of the legal maxim “Ex turpi causa non oritur actio”?

• A. From an immoral cause, no action arises
• B. No action lies against the State
• C. Where there is a right, there is a remedy
• D. Law does not concern itself with trifles

Hint:

Think: "Bad roots don't grow good fruits." If the origin (causa) is "Turpitude" (bad/illegal), you get no "Action" (lawsuit).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Break down the Latin maxim word by word.
"Ex" = from; "turpi" = shameful/immoral; "causa" = cause; "non" = no; "oritur" = arises; "actio" = legal action. Literal translation: "From a shameful cause, no legal action arises."
Step 2: Understand the underlying legal principle.
This maxim embodies a public policy defense in tort law: courts will not assist a claimant whose cause of action is founded upon their own illegal or immoral conduct; the law will not allow a person to benefit from their own wrongdoing.
Step 3: Eliminate the wrong options and confirm.
Option (2) relates to State immunity; Option (3) is "ubi jus ibi remedium" (where there is a right, there is a remedy); Option (4) is "de minimis non curat lex" (the law ignores trifles); the correct meaning is: from an immoral cause, no action arises.
\[ \boxed{\text{From immoral cause no action arises}} \]