Literal Meaning
What I cannot do through myself, I cannot do through another.
Origin
Latin
Explanation
According to this maxim, one cannot ask anyone else to do something for which he himself does not possess the right to do that thing. If an impermissible act is delegated, you are not absolved of liability. If a person induces someone to commit an offense, such a person is also liable.
Illustration
A and B are students in C’s school. C has a restricted room in his school which is ought not to be entered by anyone. However, A eager to know what is there in the room, asks B to go check and inform him. In such a case, A did not have the right to go into the restricted room, he cannot ask B to go on his behalf. Thus, the maxim Quod Per Me Non-Possum, Nec Per Alium is applicable.