Most Used Legal Maxims, Translation and Meanings with easy explanation that everyone needs to know. Legal Maxim of the Day. These legal maxims are useful for lawyers, business owners, and more.
The law is often described as “a body of rules.” But in reality, the law is much broader than that. It includes principles, precedents, and maxims. Maxims are concise statements of general principles that apply to many situations. They’re also called “legal maxims” because they’re used by judges and lawyers to explain how the law works.
They will help you avoid common mistakes and pitfalls when dealing with contracts, negotiations, and other legal matters.
Here’s an example of a legal maxim: “The law favours the vigilant and not those who sleep upon their rights.” This means that people should take care to protect themselves against potential risks. If you do nothing, you might lose your right to sue someone else for damages.
Term- in prope persona Translation- On one’s own person Definition- One who represents themselves in court without the [official] assistance of an attorney. “In propria persona” (sometimes abbreviated as “in pro per” or “pro se”) is a Latin term that means “in one’s own person.” In legal contexts, it refers to a situation where a […]
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Term- sub judice Translation- under the judge Definition- Refers to a matter currently being considered by the court. Sub judice is a Latin term that means “under judgment” or “under consideration by a court of law.” In legal contexts, it refers to a case or matter that is currently pending before a court and is
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Term- nunc pro tunc Translation- now for then Definition- An action by a court to correct a previous procedural or clerical error. Nunc pro tunc is a Latin term that means “now for then.” In legal contexts, it refers to the ability of a court to retroactively make an order or entry that is effective
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Term- forum non conveniens Translation- Disagreeable forum Definition- A concept wherein a court refuses to hear a particular matter, citing a more appropriate forum for the issue to be decided. Forum non conveniens is a legal term that refers to a court’s power to decline jurisdiction over a case when another forum would be more
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Term- Ceteris paribus Translation- With other things the same Definition- More commonly rendered in English as “All other things being equal” Ceteris paribus is a Latin term that means “all other things being equal” or “all other things held constant.” It is often used in economics and other social sciences to describe a situation where
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Term- Caveat Translation- May he beware Definition- When used by itself, refers to a qualification, or warning. Caveat is a legal term that refers to a warning or cautionary statement. In legal contexts, a caveat can refer to several different things depending on the specific context. One common use of caveat is in the context
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Term- animus revertendi Translation- intention to return Definition- “Wild animals, such as bees and homing pigeons, that by habit go ‘home’ to their possessor. Used when discussing ferae naturae.” Animus revertendi is a Latin term that refers to the intention to return. In legal terms, it is often used in the context of immigration law
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Term- actus reus Translation- guilty act Definition- Part of what proves criminal liability (with mens rea) Actus reus is a Latin term that translates to “guilty act.” It is a fundamental concept in criminal law and refers to the physical or external element of a crime. In order for a crime to have been committed,
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