Legal Bites brings to you a list of important Legal Maxims, from A – Z, that will prove to be beneficial for all the law students and scholars. Do check it out!
A-Z Comprehensive List of Important Legal Maxims
A – Important Legal Maxims
A Verbis Legis Non Est, Recedendum | From the words of the law, there must be no departure. |
Ab Assuetis, Non Fit Injuria | From things to which we are accustomed no legal wrong can arise. |
Abundans Cautela Non Nocet | Extreme care does no mischief. |
Accessorium Sequitur Suum Principale | That which is accessory or incidental follows its principal, e.g., crops or fixtures go with the land they are on. |
Accusare Nemo Se Debet | No one is bound to accuse himself. |
Actio Personalis Moritur Cum Persona | A personal action dies with the person |
Actor Incumbit Onus Probandi | The burden of proof lies on the plaintiff. |
Actor Sequitur Forum Rei | A plaintiff follows the Court of the defendant. |
Actori Non Probante Reus Absolvitur | When the plaintiff does not prove his case, defendant is acquitted. |
Actus Curae Neminer Fact Injuriam | The act of the Court does wrong to no one. |
Actus Dei Ressisi Nocet | The act of God prejudices no one. |
Actus Me Invito Factus, Non Est Mensactus | An act done by me against my will is not my act. |
Actus -Non Facit Reum, Nisi Mens Sit Rea | An act does not make one guilty unless his mind is guilty. |
Adversus extraneous -vitiosa possessio prodessi solet | An imperfect possession is accustomed to prevailing as against outsiders claiming adversely. |
Aedificatum Solo, Solo Cedit | That which is built upon the land goes with the land. |
Acquitas Est Quasi Aequalitas | Equity is, as it were, equality. |
Aequitas Sequitur Legem | Equity follows laws. |
Aflectus Yunitur Licet Non Sequatur Effeetus | The intention is punished the consequences do not follow |
Affirmenti, Non Neganti, Incumbit Proratio | The burden of proof lies upon him who affirms, not upon him who denies. |
Agentes Et Consentien Tes Pari Paens Plectentur | Acting and consenting parties are liable to the same punishment. |
Alienatio Rei Praefertur Juri Accrescendi | Alienation is favour rather than accumulation. |
Alii Per Alium Non Acquiritur Obligatio | One man cannot incur liability through another. |
Allegans Contaria Non Est Audiendus | A person making contradictory allegations is not to be listened to. |
Ambigua Responsis Contra Proferentem Est Accipienda | An ambiguous answer is to be taken against him who makes it |
Ambiguum Verificatione facti tollitur | Latent ambiguity of words may be removed by parole evidence, for an ambiguity arising upon proof of extraneous fact may be removed in like manner. |
Ambiguitas Verborum Patens Nulls Verificatione excluditur | A patent ambiguity cannot be cleared up by extrinsic evidence [S. 93, Indian Evidence Act]. |
Animus Ad Se Omina Jusducit | Intention attracts all law to itself. |
Aqua Cedit Solo | Water passes with the soil. |
Argumentum a Simili Valet in Lege | An argument from a like case is good in law. The binding effect of a decision does not depend upon whether a particular argument was considered therein or not provided that the point with reference to which an argument was subsequently advanced was actually decided. |
Assignatus Utitur Jure Auctoris | The assignee gets only the right of the assignor. |
B – Important Legal Maxims
Bis Dat Qui Cito Dat | He gives double who gives promptly. |
C – Important Legal Maxims
Causa Proxima, Non Remota Specs Tatur | The immediate and not the remote cause is to be regarded. |
Cessante Causa, Cessat Effectus | The cause ceasing, the effect ceases. |
Cessante Ratione Leg-is Cessat Ipsa Lex | The reason of the law ceasing, the law itself ceases. |
Cestum Est Quod Certain Reddipotest | That is certain which can be rendered certain. |
Chiorgraphum Apud Debitorem Repertum Praesumitur | A deed found with the debtor is presumed to be paid. |
Clam Delinquentes Magis Puniuntur Quam Palam | Those sinning secretly are punished more severely than those sinning openly. |
Claussulae Inconsuetae Semper Inducunt Suspicionem | Unusual clauses always, excite suspicion. |
Commondum Ex Injuria Sua Memo Habera Debet | No person ought to have an advantage from his own wrong. |
Compendia Sunt Dispendia | Abbreviations are a loss of time. [Cf. The longest way round is the shortest way home]. |
Consuetudo Debet Esse Certa ; Nam Incerta, Pro Nullis Habentur | A custom should be certain, for uncertain things are held as nothing. |
Consensus, Non Concubitus, Facit Matrimonium | Consent, not cohabitation, constitute marriage. |
Consensus Tollit Ertorem | Consent removes mistake. |
Consuetudo Est Optimus Interpres Legum | Custom is the best interpreter of laws. |
Contemporanea Exposito Est Optima et Fortissima in lege | A contemporaneous interpretation is the best and strongest in law. |
Contra Non Valentem Agere Nulla Currit Praescriptio | Time does not run against a person under disability. |
Contractus Ex Turpi Causa Vel Contra Bones Mores Nullus | A contract arising from a base consideration, or against morality, is null. |
Conventio Vincit Legem | An agreement prevails against any implication Of law. |
Cuilibet in Arte Sua Perito Est Credendum | Every one who if skilled in his own act is to be believed. |
Cuilibet licet juri pro se introduce to renuntiare | One may waive a legal right existing in his favour. |
Cujus Est Commodum Ejus Debet Esse Incommodum | He who has the advantage should also have the disadvantage. |
Cujus Est Dare Ejus Est Disponere | Whose it is to give, his it is to regulate the manner of the gift. |
Cujus Est Divisio Alterius Est Electio | When one party has the division, the other has the choice. |
Cujus Est Instituere Ejus Est Abrogare | He that legislates may also abrogate. |
Cuilibet Licet Juri Pro Se Introdue to Renuntiare | One may waive a legal right existing in his favour. |
Culpa Lala Dolo Aequiparatur | Gross negligence is equivalent to intentional wrong. |
Culpae Paena Par Esto | Let the punishment be in proportion to the crime. |
Cum Confitante Sponte Mitius Est Agendum | One confessing willingly should be dealt with more leniently. |
D – Important Legal Maxim
De Minimis Non Curat Lex | The law takes no account of trifles |
Debita Sequntur Personam Debitoris | Debts follow the person of the debtor. |
Debitor Non Presumitr Donare | A debtor is not presumed to give. |
Delegatus Non Potest Delegare | A delegate has no power to delegate. |
Dies Inceptus Pro Completo Habetur | A day begun is held as complete. |
Dolus Auctoris Non Nocet Successori | The fraud of predecessor prejudice, not his successor. |
Dolus Versatur in generalibus | He who wishes to deceive uses general or ambiguous terms. |
Domus Sun Euique Est Tutissimum Refugium | To everyone, hi, is the safest refuge. [Cf. Every man’s house is his own castle]. |
Donatio Non Praesumitur | A gift is not presumed. |
Donatio Perticitur Possessione Accipientis | A gift is perfected by the possession of the receiver. |
Dormiunt Aliquando Leges, Nunquam Moriuntur | The laws sometimes never (lie). |
Duo Non Possunt in Solidu Unam Rem Possidere | Two cannot possess the whole of one thing in its entirety. |
E – Important Legal Maxims
Ejus Est Periculum Cujus Est Dominium Ant Commodum | He who has the dominion or advantage has the risk. |
Ejus Nul a Culpa Est Cui Parer Necesse Sit | He is not in any fault who is bound to obey. |
Ex Antecidentibus Et Consequentibus Fit Optma Interpretatio | The best interpretation is made from the context. |
Executio Juris Non Habet Injuriam | The execution of the process of law does no injury. |
Executor De Son Tort | One who takes upon himself the office of an executor by the intrusion, not being so constituted by the testator. |
Ex Diuturnitate Temporis Onmia Praesummuntur Rite Esse Acta | After a lapse of time everything is presumed to have been properly done. |
Ex Dolo Malo Non Oritur Actio | No right of action can arise cut of a fraud. |
Ex Nudo Pacto Non Oritur Actio | From a nude, contract, no right of action arises. |
Ex Turpi Causa Non Oritur Actio | From an immoral cause no arise”. |
Exceptio Probat Regulam De Rebus Non Exceptis | An exception proves the rule concerning things not excepted. |
Exempla Illustrant Non Restringunt Legem | Examples illustrate but do restrain the law. |
Expedit, Rei Publicae Ne Sua Reuqis Male Utetur | It is for the public good that no one uses his property badly. |
Expedit Rei Publicae Ut Sit Finis Litium | It is for the public good that there should be an end to litigation. |
Experientia Docet | Experience teaches. |
Expressio Unius Est Exclusio Alterius | The mention of one is the exclusion of another. |
Expressum Facit Cessare Taciturn | What is expressed makes what is silent cease. |
Extra Legum Position Est Civiliter Moriuus | He who is placed out of the law is civilly dead. |
Ex Turpis Causa Non Oritur Actio | “The court will not recognise a claim or cause of action based on turpitude”. The plaintiff can challenge order of allotment, if he was in lawful possession c; accommodation as tenant on relevant date, otherwise he has no right of suit. [Ramji Lal v. Balwant Singh, 1967 ALJ 410]. |
F – Important Legal Maxims
Facta Sunt Potentiora Verbia | Deeds are more powerful than words. |
Faotum a Judice Quod Ad Ejus Officium Non Spectat, Non Ratum Esi | An action of a Judge which relates not to his office is of no case. |
Fait Justitia Ruat Caelum | Let right be done, though heavens should fall. |
Falsa Demonstratio Non Nocet | A false description does not vitiate (a document). |
Falsa Orthographia, Sive Falsa Grammatica, Non Vitiat Concessionem | Bad spelling or bad grammar does not vitiate a grant. |
Falsus in Uno, Falsus Omnibus | False in one thing false in all. |
Fatetur Facinus Qui Judicium Fugit | He who flies judgment confesses his guilt. |
Fictio Leges Inique Opertur Alien Idamnum Vel Injuriam | A legal fiction does not properly work loss or injury. |
Fieri Non Debuit, Sed Factum Valet | It ought not to have done, but when done it is binding. |
Fractionem Diei Non Receipit Lex | The law does not take notice of a portion of a day. |
Fraus Est Celare Fraudem | It is fraud to conceal fraud. |
Fraus Laten in Generalibus | Fraud lies hid in general expressions. |
Furiosis Nulla Voluntas Est | A mad man has no will, i.e., he is not criminally responsible. |
Fortum Non Est Ubi Initium Habet Detentionis Per Dominum Rei | There is no theft where the origin of the possession was with the consent of the owner. |
G – Important Legal Maxims
Generalia Specialibus Non Derogant | General words do not derogate from special. |
Generalia Verba Sunt Generaliter Intelligenda | General words are to be understood in a general sense. |
Grammaiica Falsa Non Vitiat Chartum | False grammar does not vitiate a deed. |
I – Important Legal Maxims
Id Certum Est Quod Certum Reddi Potest | That is certain which can be reduced to a certainty. |
Idem Est Non Esse Et Non Apparere | Not to be and not to appear are the same. In the law of evidence where a person on whom the onus of proving an affirmative fails in such proof, the contrary is presumed, though there be no evidence in support of that presumption. |
Ignorantia Facti Excusat, Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat | Ignorance of the fact excuses; ignorance of the law excuses not. |
Ignorantia Legis neminem Excusat (Ignorantia Legis haud excusat ; ignorantia Legis Non Excusat) | Ignorance of law is no excuse. |
In Aequali Jure Melior Est Coeditio Possidentis | Where the rights are equal, the condition of the possessor is best. |
In Alternativis Electio Estdebitoris | In alternative, the debtor has the election. |
Inclusio Unius Est Exclusio Alterius | The inclusion of one is the exclusion of another. |
In Cemmobum Non Solvit Argumentum | Inconvenience does not destroy an argument, e. 5., it is no answer to an action for the removal of a nuisance that it would be more inconvenient for defendant to remove it than to pay damages for the injury it may cause. In will cases it is sometimes otherwise. [Rawson]. |
In Consimili Casu, Consimili Debet Essse Remedium | In similar cases the remedy should be similar. |
In Dubio Haec Legis Constructio Quam Uerba Ostendunt | In a doubtful case, the construction which the words point out is the construction given by law. |
In Factione Juris Semper Atquitas Existit | In legal fictions, there is always inherent equity. |
Iniquum Est Aliquem Rei Suae Esse Judiciem ; In Propria Causa Nemo Juder Est | It is unjust for anyone to be a judge in his own case. No one should be a judge in his own cause. |
Injuria Non Excusat Injurium | One wrong does not justify another. |
Injuria Non Praesumitur | Injury is not presumed. |
In Maleficiis Voluntas. Non Exitus-Spectatur | In criminal acts the intention is to be regarded, not the result. |
In Pari Delicto Potior Est Conditio Possidentis | Where both parties are equally in the wrong, the possessor or the defendant has the better position. [For applicability see Raja Ram v. Daulat Ram, AIR 1980 All 161]. |
In Societatis Contractibus Fides Exuberet | The strictest good faith must be observed in partnership transactions. |
Intentio Imponit Nomen Operi | The intention gives the name to the act. |
Interpretatio Talis Facienda Est Ut Res Magis Valeat Quam Pereat | Such an interpretation is to be adopted that the thing may rather stand than fall. |
Interest Reipublicae Ut Sit Finis Litiuum | It is in the interest of the State that there should be an end of law-suit. |
Invito Beneficium Non Datur | A benefit cannot be conferred on one who is unwilling to receive it. |
Ita Utere Tuo Ut Alienum Non Leadas | Use your own property so as not to injure your neighbour. |
J – Important Legal Maxims
Judex Non Potest Esse Testis In Propria Crusa | In his own cause. |
Judices Non Tenentur Exprimere Causam Sententiae Suae | Judges are not bound to explain the reason of their sentence. |
Judicia Posteriora Sunt in Lege Fortiora | The later decisions are stronger in law. |
Judicia Est Judicare Secundum Allegata Et Probata | It is the duty of a Judge to decide according to facts alleged and proved. |
Judicis Est Jus Dicere Non Dare | It is for the Judge to administer, not to make laws. |
Jura Non-Remota Causa Sed Proxima Spectatur | In law, the immediate or proximate not the remote cause of any event is regarded. |
Juratores Sunt indices Facti | Jurors are only judges of fact. |
Juri Sanguinis Nunquam Praescribitur | Relationship is not a matter of prescription. |
Juri Ex Injuria Non Oritur | A right cannot arise out of wrong-doing. |
Jus Publicum Privatorum Pactis Mutari Non Potest | A public right cannot be altered by the agreement of private persons. |
L – Important Legal Maxims
Lata Culpa Dolo Aequiparatur | Gross negligence is tantamount to fraud. |
Leges Posteriores Priores Contrarias Abrogant | Later laws abrogate prior contrary laws. |
Legis Interpretatio Legis Vim Obtinet | The interpretation of law obtains the force of law. |
Lex Citius Tolerare Vult Privatum Damnum Quam Publicum Malum | The law will more readily tolerate a private less than a public evil. |
Lex Dilationes Exhorret | The law always abhors delays. |
Lex Nil Facit Frustra ; Nil Jubet Frustra | The law does nothing in vain. |
Lex Non Cogita Impossibilia | The law forces not to impossibilities. |
Lex Non Curat De Minimis | The law cares not about trifles. |
Lex Respicit Aequitatem | The law pays regard to equity. |
Lex Spectat Naturae Ordinem | The law has regard to the order and course of nature. |
Locus Regit Actum | The place governs the act. |
M – Important Legal Maxims
Mala Grammatica Non Vitiat Chartum | Bad grammar does not vitiate an instrument, |
Malitia Supplet Aetatum | Malice supplies want of age. |
MELIOR Est Conditio Defendentis, or Possidentis | The party in possession is in a better condition, i. e., where rights are equal. |
Melius Est Petere Fontes Quam Sectari Rivulos | It is better to go to the fountain-head than to follow streamlets from it. |
Minatur Innocentibus Qui Parcit Nocentibus | He threatens the innocent who spares the guilty. |
Misera Est Servitus Ubi Jus Est Vagum Aut Incognitum | Wretched is the slavery where the law is changeable or uncertain. |
Mobilia Sequuntur Personam | Movables follow the person. |
Modus Et Conventio Vincunt Legem | Custom and agreement overrule law. |
N – Important Legal Maxims
Natura Appetit Pepfectum; Ita Et Lex | Nature desires perfection; so also the law. |
Naturae Non Facit Saltum; Ita Nee Lex | Nature takes no leap, so neither does law. |
Necessitas Est Lex Temporis Et Loci | Necessity is the law of time and place. |
Necessitas Facit Licitum Quod Alias Non Est Licitum | Necessity makes that lawful which otherwise is not lawful. |
Necessitas Inducit Priviligum Quod Jura Privata | Necessity gives a privilege with reference to private rights. |
Necessitas Non Habet Legem | Necessity has no law. |
Necessitas Publica Major Est Quam Privata | Public necessity is greater than private. |
Necessitas Quod Cogit Deffendit | Necessity defends what it compels. |
Necessitas Sub Lege Non Continetur Quia Quia Quod Alias Non Est Lictum Necessitas Facit Lictum | Necessity is not restrained by law; since what otherwise is not lawful necessity makes lawful. |
Necessitas Vincit Legen Legum Vincula Irridet | Necessity overcomes law, it derives the fetters of laws. |
Negatio Duplex Est Affirmatio | A double negative is affirmative. |
Negligentia Sempeg Habet Infortunium Comitem | Negligence has always misfortune for a companion. |
Nemo Agit in Seipsum | No one impleads himself. |
Nemo Allegans Turpitudinem Suam Audiendus Est | No one bearing testimony to his own baseness ought to be heard. [Raja Ram v. Daulat Ram, AIR 1980 All 161]. |
Nemo Contra Factum Suum Venire Potest | No one can go against his own deed. |
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet | No one can give that he has not, i.e., a better right one has cannot be passed. |
Nemo Debet Bis Punire Pro Uno Delicto | No one ought to be punished twice for the same offence. |
Nemo Debet Esse Judex in Propria Causa | No one can be a judge in his own cause. |
Nemo Debet Locupietari Aliena Jactura | No one ought to be enriched by another’s disaster. |
nemo De domo Sue Extrahi Potest | No one can be dragged out of his own house. In other words, every mans house in his own castle. |
Nemo Ejusdem Tenementi Simul Potest Esse Haeres Et Dominust | No one can at the same time be the heir and owner of the same tenement. |
Nemo Est Alterius Facto Prae Gravari Debet | No one ought to be burdened by the act of another. |
Nemo Est Heares Viventis | No one is the heir of a living man. |
Nemo Ex Dolo Suo Proprio Relevetur Aut Auxilium Capiat | Let no one be relieved or gain, an advantage by his own fraud. |
Nemo Ex Proprio Dolo Consequitur Actionem | No one maintains an action arising out of his own wrong. |
Nemo Ex Suo Delicto Meliorem Swim Conditionem Facere Potest | No one makes his condition better by his own misdeed. |
Nemo in Propria Causa Judex, Esse debet | No one ought to be a judge in his own cause. |
Memo Potest Esse Simul Actor Et Judex | No one can be at once suitor and judge. |
Nemo Potest Esse Tenes Et Dominus | No one can be tenant and lord. |
Nemo Potest Facere Per Alium, Quad Per Se Non Potest | No one can do through another what lit, cannot do through himself. |
Nemo Potest Plus Ad Juris, Alium, Transferre Quam Ipse Habet | No one can transfer a greater right to another than lie himself has |
Nemo Praesumiture Ludere in Ex Tremis | No one is presumed to trifle at the point of death. |
Nemo Praesumitur Malus | No One is presumed to be bad. |
Nemo Punitur Pro Aleno Delicto | No one is punished for another’s rung. |
Nemo Sibi Esse Judex Vel Suis Jus Dicere Debet | No one ought to his own judge or the tribunal in his own affairs. |
Nemo Tenetur Ad Inpossibilia | No one is bound to an impossibility. |
Nemo Tenetur Divinare | No one is bound to foretell. |
Memo Tenetur Jura Re in Suam Turpitudinem | No one is bound to testify to his own baseness. |
Nemo Tenetur Seipsum Accusare | No one is hound to accuse or criminate himself. |
Nemo Unquam Judict In Se | No one should be a judge in his own cause. |
Nihil Aliud Potest R x Quam Quod De Jure Potest | The king can do nothing except what he can by law do. |
Nihil Facit Error, Nominis Com Do Corpore Constat | An error as to name is nothing when there is certainty as to the person. |
Nihil Habet Forum Ex Scena | The court has nothing to do with what is not before it. |
Nihil Quod Est Contra Rationem Est Licitum | Nothing is permitted which is contrary to reason. |
Noilioiores Et Benigniores Praesumptions le Dubiis Sunt Praeferndae | In case of doubt, the more generous and more benign presumptions are to be preferred. |
Non Est Regula Quin Fallat | There is no rule without an exception. |
Non Facias Malum Ut Inde Veniat Bonum | You are not to do evil that thence good may arise. |
Non In Legendo Sed In Intellingendo Leges Consistimt | The law consists not in being read but in being understood. |
Non Obstante | Not being in way, notwithstanding with, or regardless of. |
Non Possetsori Incumbit Necessitas Probandi Possessiones Ad Se Pertinere | A person in possession is not bound to prove that the possession belongs to him. |
Noscitur Ex Socio Qui Non Cognoscitur Ex Se | He who cannot be known from himself may be known from his associates. |
Nova Constitutio Futuris Formam Imponere Debet, Non Praeteritis | A new law ought to be prospective, not retrospective in its operation. |
Novatio Non Praesumitur | Novation is not presumed. |
Noxa Sequitur Caput | Guilt follows the person. |
Nullum Tempus Oceurrit ,Regi | No time can prejudice the king. |
Nullus Videtur Dalo Facere Qui Suo Jure Utitur | No one is considered to act with guile who uses his own right. |
Nunquam Crescit Ex Post Facto Praeterti Delicit Aestimatio | The estimation of a past offence is never increased by an after-fact. |
Nuptias Non Coneubitus Sed Consensus Facie | Not cohabitation, but consent makes the marriage. |
O – Important Legal Maxims
Obedientia Est Legis Essentia | Obedience is the essence of law. |
Obtemperandum Est Consuetudini Rationabili Tanquam Legi | A reasonable custom is to be obeyed as a law. |
Occalsatio Thesatio Inventi Fraud Ulesa | The concealment of a discovered treasure is fradulent. |
Oderunt Peccare Boni Virtutis Amore ; Oderunt Peccare Mali Formidine Paenae | Good men hate sin through love of virtle ; bad men through fear of punishment. |
Odiosa Et Inhonesta Non Sunt In Lege Praetumenda | Odious and dishonest things are not to be presumed in law. |
Officio Magistratus Non Debent Esse Venalia | The office of magistrate ought not to be sold. |
Officium Nemini Debet Esse Damno Sum | An office ought to be injurious to no one. |
Omissio Corum Quae Tacite Insunt Ninil Operatur | The omission of those things which are silently understood is of no consequence. |
Omne Crimen Ebrietas Et Incendit Et Detegit | Drunkenness both kindles and uncovers every crime. |
Omne Jus Ant Consensus Facit Ant Necessitas Constituit, Aut Farmavit Consuetudo | Every right is either made by consent or is constituted by necessity or is established by custom. |
Omne Licentiam Habent His, Quae Pro Se Introducta Sunt. Renuncaire | Everyone has a right to renounce those things which have been granted for his own benefit. |
Omne Quod Solo Inaedificatur Solo Cedit | Everything which is built upon the soil belongs to the soil. |
Omne Sorores Sunt Quasi Unus Haeres De Una Haereditate | All sisters are, as it were, one heir to one inheritance. |
Omne Testamentum Morte Consummatum W | Every will is completed by death. |
Oninia Consensus Tollit Errorem | Every assent removes error. |
Omnia Delicta in Aperto Leviora Sunt | All crimes done openly are lighter. |
Ominia Nova Constitutio Futuris Temporibus Formam Imponeri Debet, Non Prateritie | Every new enactment should effect the future, not past time. |
Omnia Praesumuntur Contra Spoliatorem | All things are presumed against a wrong-doer. |
Ominia Praesumuntur Rite Legitime Solemniter Esse Aeta, Dunce Probetur In Contrarium | All thing are presumed to have been done correctly lawfully and with due formality until the contrary is proved. |
Omnia Praesumuntur Rite Et Solemniter Esse Acta Donec Probatur In Contrarium | All things are presumed to have been rightly and duty performed until it is proved to the contrary. |
Omnia Quae Jure Contrahuntur Contrario Jure Pereunt | All things which are contracted by law perish by a contrary law. |
Omnia Rite Acta Preasumuntur | All things presumed to have been rightly done. |
Optima Est Legis Interpres Consuetudo | Custom is the best interpreter of the law. |
Optimus Est Lex Quae Midimum Relinquit Arbitrio Judicis ; Optimus Judex Qui Minimum Sibi | That system of law is best which confides as little as possible to the discretion of a Judge; that Judge is the best who relies as little as possible on his own opinion. |
Optimus Interpres Rerum Usus | Custom is the best interpreter of things. Optimus Legum Interpres Consuetude. |
Optimus Statuti Interpretatrix Est (omnimus part calis ejusdem inspectis) Ipsum Statutum | The best interpreter of a statute is (all the separate parts being considered) the statute itself. |
P – Important Legal Maxims
Pacts Privata Juris Publico Derogare Non Possum | Private compacts cannot derogate from public right. |
Pans Et Celeris Justitia Flat Partibus | Let full and speedy justice be done to the parties. |
Paribus Sententiis Reus Absolvitur | Where opinions are equal the defendant is acquitted. |
Par In Parem Imperimum Non Habet | An equal has no power over an equal. |
Pater Est Quem Nuptiae Remonstrant | He is the father whom the nuptials indicate. |
Peccata Contra Naturam Sunt Gravissima | Crimes against nature are the most heinous. |
Pendente Lite Nihil Innovetur | During the pendency of litigation, no change in the position can be made. |
Persona Conjuncts Aequtiparatur Inter Esse Proprio | The interest of a man’s kindred is equivalent to his own. |
Per Varios Actus Legem Experienta Facit | By various acts experience framed the law. |
Pin Exempla Quam Peccata Nocent | Examples hurt more than crimes. |
Plus Peccata Auctor Quam Actor | The causer offends more than the performer. |
Poena, Ex Delicto Defuncti, Haeres Teneri Non Debet | The heir ought not to be bound in a penalty for the crime of the deceased. |
Poena Potius Molliendae Quam Exasperandae | Punishments should be softened but not aggravated. |
Poenae Non Potest, Culpa Perennis Erit | Punishment cannot be, crime will be, lasting. |
Posteriors Derogant Prioribus | Things subsequent supersede things prior caution is better than cure. |
Prior Tempore Potier Jure | He who is first in time is preferred in law. |
Privatio Praesupposit Habitum | A deprivation presupposes a possession. |
Privatum Commodum Publico Cedit | Private good yields to public. |
Privilegium Non Valet Contra Rem Publicsm | A privilege avails not against public good. |
Probatis Extrimis, Praesumuntur Media | The extremes being proved, the mean is presumed. |
Procuratianem Adversus Nulls Est Praescriptio | There is no prescription against procuration. |
Prodent Agit Qui Praecepto Legis Obtemperat | He acts prudently who obeys the command of laws. |
Q – Important Legal Maxims
Quae In Curia Regis Acta Sunt Rite Agi Praesumuntur | What has been done by the Court is presumed to be rightly done. |
Quaelibet Concessio Fortissime Contra Donatorem Interprotanda Est | Every craft is to be construed most strongly against the grantor. |
Quando Lea Aliquid Alieni Concedit Concedere Non Potest | When the law gives someone anything, it gives him also that without which the thing cannot exist. |
Qui Approbat Non Reprobat | He who accepts cannot reject. |
Qui Facit Per Aliem, Facit Per Se | He who does a thing through another does it himself. |
Qui In Utero Est Projam Nato Habetur, Quoties De Ejus Commodo Queritur | He who is in the womb is held as already born, whenever a question arises for his benefit. |
Qui Non Improbat Approbat | He who does not blame approves. |
Qui Parcit Nocentibus, Innocentes Punit | He who spares the guilty, punishes the innocent. |
Qui Prior Est Tempore Potior Est Jure | He who is first ill is better in law. |
Qui Sentit Commodum, Sentire Debet Et Onus | He who receives the advantage must also suffer the burden. |
Qui Tacet, Consentire Videtur | He who is silent, is understood to consent. |
Quic Quid Plantatur Solo, Solo Cedit | Whatever is affixed to the soil, passes with a grant of soil. |
Qui Legatur Eo Dissolvitur | An obligation must be dissolved by the same mode as it was contracted. |
Quod Semel Placuit in Electionibus, Amplius Displicere Non Potest | When election is once made, it cannot be revoked. |
Quod Turpi Ex Causa Promissum Est, Non Valet | A promise founded on an illegal consideration is not binding. |
R – Important Legal Maxims
Ratihabitio Mandato Aequiparatur | Ratification is tantamount to direction. |
Ratihabitio, Mandato Compratur | Ratification is tentamount to command. |
Ratio Est Formalis Causa Consuet Dinis | Reason is the formal cause of custom. |
Ratio Legis Est Animalegis | The reason of law is the soul of law. |
Ratio Potest Allegari Deficiente Lege, Sed Ratio Et Legalis Et Non Apparens | Reason may be alleged when law is defective, but it must be true and legal reason, and not merely apparent. |
Regularitur Non Valet Pacts De Re Meanon Alienanda | It is a rule that a impact not to alienate my property is not binding. |
Rei Atio Est Fictio Juris Et Intenta Ad Unum | Relation is a fiction of la an; is intent to one point. |
Remoto Impedimento Emergit Actio | An impediment being removed, an action emerges. |
Republicae Interest, Voluntates Defunctornm Effectum Sortiri | It concerns the State that the wills of the dead should have their effect. |
Res Accessoria Sequitur Rem Principalem | The accessory follows the principal. |
Res Denominatur A Principali Parte | The thing is named from its principal part. |
Res Est Misera Ubi Jus Est Vag Um Et Incertum | It is a miserable state of things when law is vague and uncertain. |
Resignatio Est Juris Proprii Spontanae Refutatio | Resignation is a spontaneous relinquishment of one’s own right. |
Res Inter Alios Acta Alteri Nocere Non Debet | A transaction between strangers ought not to injure a party. |
Res Ipsa Loquitur | The thing speaks for itself. |
Res Judicata Pro Veritate habetur | An adjudicated matter shall be deemed correct. |
Resolutio Jure Concendentis Resolvitur Jus Concessum | The grant of any right comes to an end on the termination of the right of the grantor. |
Respondeat Superior | Let the principal be held responsible. |
Rex Est Legalis Et Politicos | The king is both a legal and a political person. |
Rex Est Lex Vivens | The king is the living law. |
Rex Non Potest Peccare | The king can do no wrong. |
Rex Nunquam Moritur | The king never dies. |
S – Important Legal Maxims
Salus Populi Suprema Lex | The safety of the people is the supreme law. |
Salus Ubi Multi Consiliarii | Where there are more counsellors, there is safety. |
Secundum Allegata Et Probata | Principle of variance between pleading and proof not to be applied when the other party is net taken by surprise. [Kripa Ram v. Harnam Singh, (1968) 70 Punj T R 8091]. |
Semper In Dubiis Be Nlgiora Praeferenda | In doubtful matters, the more liberal construction is to be preferred. |
Semper in Obscuris, Quod Minimum Est Sequimur | In obscure constructions we always apply that which is least obscure. |
Semper Praesumitur Pro Matrimonio | The presumption is always in favour of the validity of the marriage. |
Semper Specialia Generalibtts Insunt | Generalities include specialities. |
Sensus Verborum Est Anima Legis | The meaning of the word is the spirit of the law. |
Sequi Debet Potentia Justitiam, Non Praecedere | Power should follow justice, not precede it. |
Sic Uteri Tuo Ut Alienum Non Leadas | So you use your own rights that you do not hurt the right of another. |
Silent Leges Inter Armae | Laws are silent amidst arms. |
Socii Mei Socius, Meus Socious Non Est | The partner of my partner is not my partner. |
Solo Cedit, Quicquid Solo Plantatur | What is planted in the soil belongs to the soil. |
Sploiatus Debet, Ante Omnia Restitui | A person who has been despoiled ought to be restored to his former state before anything else. |
Statuta Pro Publico Commodo Late Interpretantur | Statutes made for the public good ought to be liberally construed. |
Statutum Affirmativum Non Derogat Communi Legi | An affirmative statute does not derogate from the common law. |
Statutum Speciale Statuto Speciale Non Derogat | One special statute does not take from another special statute. |
Sublato Causa Tollitur Effectus | The cause being removed, the effect ceases. |
Sublato Fundamento Cedit Opus | The foundation being removed, the superstructure falls. |
Sublato Principali Toflitur Adjunctum | The principal being taken away, its adjunct is also taken away. |
Subsequens Matrimonium Tollit Peccatum Praecedens | A subsequent marriage removes a previous criminality. |
Summa Ratio (Lex) Est, Quae Pro Religione Facit | The highest law is that which supports religion. |
Summum Jus, Summum Injuria Summum Lex, Summa Crux | Extreme law is extreme injury. Strict law is strict punishment. |
Superflua Non Nocent | Superfluities hurt not. |
T – Important Legal Maxims
Terra Maneus Vacua Occupanti Conseditur | Land lying unoccupied is given to the first occupant. |
Testamenta Cum Duo Inter Se Pugnantia. Reperiuntur Ultimum Ratum Est ; Sic Fist Cum Duo Inter Se Pugnantia Reperiuntur In Codem Testamento | When two conflicting wills are found the last prevails; so it is when two conflicting clauses occur in the same will. |
Testamenta Latissimam Interpretation em Habere Debent | Will ought to have the broadest interpretation. |
Testamentum Omne Morte Consummatur | Every will is perfected by death. |
Testatoris Ultima Voluntas Est Rerimplenda Secundum Veram Intentionem Suam | The last will of a testator is to be thoroughly fulfilled according to his real intention. |
Testes Lupanaris Sufficit Ad Factum In Lupanari | A lewd person is a sufficient witness to an act committed in a brothel. |
Testes Ponderantur, Non Numerantur | Witnesses are weighed, not numbered. |
Testibus Desponentibus, In Pari Numero Dignioribus Est Credendum | Where the number of witnesses is equal on both sides, the more worthy are to be believed. |
Testimonia Ponderanda Stint, Non Enumeranda | Evidence is to !x, weighed. not enumerated. |
Testis De Visu Praeponderat Aliis | An eye-witness is preferred to others. |
Testis Nemo In Sua Causa Casse Potest | No one can be a witness in his own cause. |
Testis Oculatus Unus Plus Valet Quam Auriti Decent | One eye-witness is worth more than ten ear-witnesses. |
Traditio Loqui Facit Chartam | Delivery makes a deed speak, i. e., comes into operation. |
Transit Terra Cum Onere | Land passes subject to any burden affecting it. |
Turpisest Pars Quae Non Convenit Cum Suo Toto | That part is bad, which accords not with its whole. |
Tuta Est Custodia Quae Sibimet Creditur | That guardianship is secure which is entrusted to itself alone. |
Tutius Erratur Ex Parte Mitiore | It k safer to err on tee gentler side. |
Tutius Semper Est Errare Acquietando Quam in Puniendo, Exparte Misericor Iliac Quam Ex Parte Justitiae | It is always safer to err in acquitting than in punishing on the side of mercy than of strict justice. |
U – Important Legal Maxims
Ubi Aliquid Conceditur Et, Id Sine Quo Res Ipsa Esse Non Potest | When anything is granted that also is granted without which it could not exist. |
Ubi Cessat Remedium Ordinariu Mibi Decurritur Ad Extra-Ordinarium Et Nunquam Decurretur Ad Extraordinarium Ubi Valet Ordinarium | Where the ordinary remedy fails recourse is made to the extraordinary remedy but recourse is never made to the extraordinary where the ordinary is sufficient. |
Ubi Damna Dantur Victus Victori In Expensis Condemnari Debet | Where damages are awarded, the unsuccessful party ought to be condemned in costs to the successful party. |
Ubi Eadem Ratio Ibi Eadem Lex, De Similibus Idem Est Judicium | Where the same reason exists, there the, same law prevails; and of things similar, the judgment is similar. |
Ubi Jus, Ibi Remedium | Where there is a right, there is a remedy. |
Ubi Lex Est Specialis, Et Ratio Ejus Generalis Generaliter Accipienda Est | Where the law is special and the reason of it is general, it ought to be taken as being general. |
Ubi Non Est Directa Lex, Standum Est Arbitrio Judicis, Vel Procedendum Ad Similia | Where there is no direct law, the opinion of the Judge is to be taken or references to be made to similar cases. |
Ubi Non Est Principalis Non Potest Esse Accessorius | Where there is no principal, there cannot be an accessory. |
Ubi Quid Generaliter Conceditur Inest Hoec Exceptio, Si Non Aliqud Sit Contra Jus Fasque | Where a thing is conceded generally this exception arises that there shall be nothing contrary to law and right. |
Una Persona Vix Potest Supplere Vices Duarum | One person can scarcely supply the places of two. |
Universalia Sunt Notoria Singularibus | Things universal are better known than things particular. |
Unumquodque Est In Quod Est Principalius In Ipso | That which is the principal part of a thing is the thing itself. |
Unumquodque Principiorum Est Sibiment Ipsi Fides ; Et Prespicum Vera non Sunt Probanda | Every principle is its own evidence and plain truths are not to be proved. |
Usucapio Constituta Est Ut Aliquis Litium Finis Esset | The object of title by possession (usucapia) is to put an end to litigation. |
Usues Est Dominium Fiduciarium | Use is a fiduciary dominion. |
Ut Poena Ad Paucos, Metus Ad Omnes Perveniat | So that punishment may fall on few, the fear of it on all. |
Ut res Magis Valeat Quam pereat | That it may rather become operative than null. To uphold the constitutionality of statutes whenever it can rationally be done. |
Utiie Per Inutile Non Vitiatur | The useful is not vitiated by the useless. |
Uxor Non Est Sui Juris, Sed Sub Potestate Viri, Cui in Vita Contradicere Non Potest | A wife has no power of her own but is under the government of her husband, whom in his lifetime she cannot contradict |
V – Important Legal Maxims
Verba Accipienda Sunt Secundum Subjectum Materiem | Words are to be understood with reference to the subject matter. |
Veritas Demonstrationis Tollit Errorem Nominis | The truth of the demonstration removes the error of the name. |
Via Trita Est Tutissima | The trodden path is the safest. |
Vicarius Non Habet Vicarium | A delegate cannot have a delegate. |
Vicini Viciniora Praesumuntur Scire | Persons living in the neighbourhood are presumed to know the neighbourhood. |
Vigilantibus Et Non Dormientibus Jura Subveniunt | Laws come to the assistance of vigilant, not of the sleepy. |
Vir Et Uxor Consentur In Lege Una Persona | Husband and wife are considered one person in law. |
Vis Legibus Est Inimica | Violence is inimical to the laws. |
Vix Ulla Fieri Potest Quae Omnibus Commoda Sit Sed Si Majori Parti Prospiciat Utilis Est | Scarcely any law can be made which is beneficial to all, but it is useful if it benefits the greater majority. |
Volenti Non Fit Injuria | Where the sufferer is willing there is no injury done. |
Voluntas Donatoris In Charta Doni Sui Manifeste Expressa Observetur | The will of the donor manifestly expressed in his deed of gift a to be observed. |
Voluntas Facit Quod In Testamento Scriptum Valeat | It is intention which gives effect to the wording of a will. |
Voluntas in Delictis Non Exitus Spectatur | In crimes, the will, and not the consequence, is looked to. |
Voluntas Reputatur Pro Facto | The intention is to be taken for the deed. |
Voluntas Testatoris Est Ambulatoria Usque Ad Ex’remum Vatae Exitum | The will of a testator is ambulatory (revocable) until the moment of life. |
Vox Emissa Volet, Litera Scripta Manet | The spoken word flies away; the written one remains. |
Law Library: Notes and Study Material for LLB, LLM, Judiciary and Entrance Exams