Cui bono

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Cui bono? (), literally "to whom it benefits?", 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.

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See also

• Whodunit
• Cherchez la femme
• Follow the money

General:

• Brocard (law)
• List of legal Latin terms
• List of Latin phrases

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References

Source of article : Wikipedia