Latin. Common or general error. When an erroneous practice has become general and prevailed for a considerable period, and especially where the parties to some transaction have depended upon the prevailing practice as correct, the Court will not give effect to any objection or defense founded upon it. The maxim communis error facit jus (common error makes a law) has then application. It is necessary, however, that the error be general and of long standing. See as an instance of this the case of Beattie, 22d May 1830.