bad facts make bad law
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Unusual circumstances can lead lawmakers or judges to set precedent that applies poorly to most situations.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The tired adage "bad facts make bad law" is given new life in a recent decision by the North Carolina Supreme Court.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “bad facts make bad law” mean?
Unusual circumstances can lead lawmakers or judges to set precedent that applies poorly to most situations.
Is “bad facts make bad law” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.