Legal Definitions - per fas aut nefas

The Latin phrase per fas aut nefas describes a situation where someone is determined to achieve a particular goal or outcome by any means necessary, whether those means are lawful and ethical or unlawful and unethical.

It essentially conveys the idea of pursuing an objective "by hook or by crook," without regard for the legality, morality, or fairness of the methods employed.

• Example 1 (Business Competition): A struggling technology startup, facing imminent bankruptcy, might decide to win a crucial government contract per fas aut nefas. This could involve legitimate strategies like offering a highly competitive bid and showcasing superior technology (lawful means), but also potentially resorting to illegal activities such as industrial espionage to steal a competitor's proprietary information or bribing a procurement officer (unlawful means).

  Explanation: This example illustrates per fas aut nefas because the startup is willing to use both acceptable, legal methods and potentially illegal, unethical methods to secure the contract and survive.

• Example 2 (Political Ambition): A highly ambitious political candidate, desperate to win a close election, might pursue victory per fas aut nefas. They might engage in extensive door-to-door campaigning and participate in public debates (lawful means), but could also be involved in spreading false rumors about their opponent, tampering with voting machines, or illegally using campaign funds for personal gain (unlawful means).

  Explanation: Here, the candidate's determination to win leads them to consider and potentially employ both legitimate political tactics and illicit, criminal actions, embodying the spirit of per fas aut nefas.

• Example 3 (Personal Vendetta): An individual seeking revenge against someone they believe wronged them might pursue their objective per fas aut nefas. They might initially file a civil lawsuit or report the alleged wrongdoing to authorities (lawful means), but if these avenues fail, they might then contemplate harassment, defamation, or even property damage against the person (unlawful means).

  Explanation: This scenario demonstrates per fas aut nefas as the individual is prepared to use any available method, legal or illegal, to achieve their personal goal of retribution.