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- 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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Term- quo warranto Translation- by what warrant? Definition- A request made to someone exercising some power, to show by what legal right they are exercising that power. A type of writ. “Quo warranto” is a Latin term that means “by what warrant” or “by what authority.” In legal terms, it refers to a legal action
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Term- consensus ad idem Translation- Agreement to the same Definition- Parties must be of one mind and their promises must relate to the subject or object “Consensus ad idem” is a Latin term that means “agreement to the same thing.” In legal terms, it refers to a mutual understanding or meeting of the minds between
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Term- lis alibi pendens Translation- Lawsuit elsewhere pending Definition- Refers to requesting a legal dispute be heard that is also being heard by another court. To avoid possibly contradictory judgements, this request will not be granted. “Lis alibi pendens” is a Latin term that means “a case pending elsewhere.” It is a legal principle that
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Term- Habeas Corpus Translation- May you have the body Definition- A writ used to challenge the legality of detention. Orders the detaining party to “have the (living) body” of the detained brought before the court where the detention will be investigated. Habeas Corpus is a Latin term that means “you shall have the body.” It
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Term- prima facie Translation- at first face Definition- A matter that appears to be sufficiently based in the evidence as to be considered true. “Prima facie” is a Latin term that means “at first sight” or “on its face.” In a legal context, it refers to the initial appearance or impression of a case or
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Term- mens rea Translation- Guilty mind Definition- One of the requirements for a crime to be committed, the other being actus reus, the guilt act. This essentially is the basis for the notion that those without sufficient mental capability cannot be judged guilty of a crime. “Mens rea” is a Latin term that refers to
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Term- amicus curiae Translation- friend of the court Definition- A person who offers information to a court regarding a case before it. “Amicus curiae” is a Latin term that means “friend of the court.” In a legal context, it refers to a person or organization that is not a party to a legal case but
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