Debile fundamentum fallit opus
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
When the foundation is weak, the structure falls. See 80 Mo. App. 115.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
A weak foundation frustrates [or renders vain] the work [built upon it.] Shep. Touch. 60; Noy, Max. 5, max. 12; Finch, Law, b. 1, ch. 3. When the foundation falls, all goes to the ground; as, where the cause of action falls, the action Itself must of necessity fail. Wing, Max., 113, 114, max. 40; Broom, Max. 180.