Impotentia excusat legem
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Case Law, Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916)
Definitions from Case Law
From 1 U.S. 210 - Pollard v. Shaaffer · 1789Most cited · 3 citing opinions
if a lessee covenanteth to leave a wood in as good plight as the wood was at the time of the lease, and afterwards the trees are overturned by tempest, he is discharged of his covenant, quia impotentia excusat legem.
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
Impossibility is an excuse in the law. Co. Litt. 29; Broom, Leg. Max. (3d London Ed.) 223.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Inability excuses law, i. e., the law excuses inability.