Ira Furor Brevis Est Law and Legal Definition
Ira furor brevis est is a legal maxim in Latin. This maxim states that anger is short insanity.
The following is an example of a case law referring to the maxim:
The benignity of our laws respect, to a certain extent, the frailty of our nature. A just provocation is allowed in some cases to palliate offenses, where the offense or wrongful act is done under the immediate excitement of the provocation before time for reflection has been afforded. Ira furor brevis est; short however as it is, the policy of the law is to restrain its natural operation. A few moments is all the toleration that can be given to it. [BEARDSLEY v. MAYNARD, 4 Wend. 337, 355 (N.Y. 1830)].
