Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet

"Nemo dat quod non habet" is a Latin legal principle meaning "no one gives what they do not have." This means that a person cannot transfer ownership of something they do not own. For instance, if someone tries to sell a stolen car, the buyer does not gain legal ownership, as the seller had no right to sell it. This principle protects the rights of true owners and ensures that ownership is respected in transactions. It's a fundamental concept in property law that underlines the importance of clear ownership before transferring goods or rights.