Legal Definitions - Cui bono

The Latin phrase Cui bono translates literally to "For whose advantage?" or "Who benefits?"

In legal and investigative contexts, it is often used as a rhetorical question to suggest that the person or entity who stands to gain the most from a particular event, especially a negative or harmful one, might be involved or responsible. It serves to direct suspicion towards potential beneficiaries without necessarily offering direct evidence of their guilt.

More broadly, outside of an investigative setting, cui bono can be used to question the ultimate purpose, benefit, or true beneficiaries of an action, policy, or outcome, especially when the stated reasons seem insufficient or when there are hidden advantages for certain parties.

• Scenario: A small, struggling tech startup suddenly experiences a major data breach, leading to the collapse of a crucial merger deal. Immediately after, a larger competitor acquires the startup's key patents at a significantly reduced price.

  Illustration: An investigator might ask, "Cui bono?" The question highlights that the larger competitor benefited directly and significantly from the data breach and the subsequent acquisition of valuable assets at a bargain. This helps focus suspicion on who had the most to gain from the startup's misfortune.

• Scenario: A city council approves a controversial zoning change that allows for the construction of a luxury high-rise apartment complex in a previously protected green space. The official justification is "urban revitalization," but many residents question the true benefits to the community, especially since the developer has close ties to several council members.

  Illustration: Citizens might ask, "Cui bono?" The question reflects skepticism about the stated public benefits and suggests that the primary beneficiaries might be the developer and potentially the council members who supported the project, rather than the general public or the environment.

• Scenario: A company implements a new, complex internal reporting system that requires significant training and resources, causing initial disruption and frustration among employees. While management claims it will improve efficiency, many employees find it cumbersome and suspect it primarily serves to centralize power with a specific department that designed and now controls the system.

  Illustration: Employees might privately wonder, "Cui bono?" This reflects their suspicion that the new system, despite its stated goals, disproportionately benefits the department that championed it, giving them more control and influence, rather than genuinely improving overall company efficiency for everyone.