California Civil Code, "Maxims Of Jurisprudence"

#3528. The law respects form less than substance.

#3529. That which ought to have been done is to be regarded as done.

#3530. That which does not appear to exist is to be regarded as if it did not exist.

#3532. The law neither does nor requires idle acts.

#3533. The law disregards trifles.

#3535. Contemporaneous exposition is in general the best.

#3537. Superfluity does not vitiate.

#3546. Things happen according to the ordinary course of nature and the ordinary habits of life.

#3547. A thing continues to exist as long as is usual with things of that nature.