Cui bono? (), literally "to whom is it a benefit?", is a Latin phrase related to the identification of crime suspects, expressing a utilitarian view that the perpetrator of a crime may be found among those who have something to gain, chiefly with an eye toward financial gain. The party which benefits may not always be obvious or may have successfully diverted attention to a scapegoat, for example.
Video Cui bono
Usage
The phrase is a double dative construction. It is also rendered as cui prodest? ("whom does it profit?") and ad cuius bonum? ("for whose good?").
Maps Cui bono
Background
Another example of Cicero using Cui bono is in his defence of Milo, in the Pro Milone, once again invoking Cassius as the source: "Let that maxim of Cassius apply."
American sociologist Peter Blau has used the concept of cui bono to differentiate organizations by who has primarily benefited: owners; members; specific others; or the general society.
See also
- Whodunit
- Cherchez la femme
- Follow the money
General:
- Brocard (law)
- List of legal Latin terms
- List of Latin phrases
References
Source of article : Wikipedia