DE MELIORIBUS DAMNIS

from Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
DE MELIORIBUS DAMNIS. Of the better damages. When a plaintiff has sued 
several defendants, and the damages have been assessed severally against 
each, he has the choice of selecting the best, as he cannot recover the 
whole. This is done by making, an election de melioribus damnis. 
    

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