Part of the common law series |
Tort law |
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(Outline) |
Trespass to the person |
Property torts |
Dignitary torts |
Negligent torts |
Principles of negligence |
Strict and absolute liability |
Nuisance |
Economic torts |
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Defences |
Liability |
Remedies |
Other topics in tort law |
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By jurisdiction |
Other common law areas |
![]() | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the United Kingdom and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (January 2019) |
Ex turpi causa non oritur actio (Latin "action does not arise from a dishonourable cause") is a legal doctrine which states that a plaintiff will be unable to pursue legal relief and damages if it arises in connection with their own tortious act.[1] The corresponding Ex turpe causa non oritur damnum, "From a dishonourable cause, no damage arises" is a similar construction. Particularly relevant in the law of contract, tort and trusts,[2] ex turpi causa is also known as the illegality defence, since a defendant may plead that even though, for instance, he broke a contract, conducted himself negligently or broke an equitable duty, nevertheless a claimant by reason of his own illegality cannot sue. The UK Supreme Court provided a thorough reconsideration of the doctrine in 2016 in Patel v Mirza.[3]