The "Nemo dat non quod non habet" principle

The principle "Nemo dat quod non habet," a Latin phrase meaning "no one gives what they do not have," states that a person cannot transfer better rights than they possess. In practical terms, if someone doesn't own an item or doesn't have the authority to sell it, they can't legally transfer ownership or rights to someone else. This principle helps ensure that property transactions are valid and legitimate, preventing someone from unknowingly acquiring rights or ownership from an invalid or unauthorized source. It emphasizes the importance of proper ownership and authority in transferring rights or property.