Stuck with complicated legal jargons? Here is an interesting list of legal maxims used across the globe

Every law book has some difficult phrases that seem both fancy and tricky. Today, we have come up with a list of some of those interesting legal phrases, called legal maxims. Check the list and see how many of these you already know.

May 30, 2024, 13:35 IST
Stuck with complicated legal jargons? Here is an interesting list of legal maxims used across the globe
Stuck with complicated legal jargons? Here is an interesting list of legal maxims used across the globe

Understanding the legal terms is hard, and what makes this task even harder is the presence of several legal maxims. Open a law textbook and you will find several gibberish phrases that may either make you feel dumb or will make you doubt the author or the publisher for any printing mistakes. Interestingly, it is neither of the two.

The several phrases that you find in law textbooks that do not make much sense in the English language are actually quite logical phrases, the law enthusiasts call the "legal maxims". These are principles established in the legal systems across the globe that have aced the test of time and have ben there since eons. Statements like these actually talk about the fundamental concepts, rules, and principle that guide the decision-making and reasoning in the legal realm.

Today, we have brought to you an interesting list of legal maxims that you may very likely find in many law books. These legal maxims are important in the world of law. A listicle like this could not only help you enhance your knowledge, but even boast a little bit. Who doesn't like getting appraised for some fancy statements spoken among a group of intellectuals?

 

Actus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea

This is a popular one in the world of law. This legal maxim translates to "an act doesn't make any person guilty without a criminal intent."

As you may have guessed by now, the legal maxim stresses majorly upon the importance of intent while deciding the criminal liability. It supports the view that a person can't be termed guilty of a crime without a proof that talks of the offender's intent to commit the crime.

 

Caveat Empter

This is a short and crisp one, but plays a great role in the legal field. The legal maxim translates to "let the buyer beware". 

As per this principle, there exists an onus on the buyer to perform due diligence prior to making any purchase. The legal maxim underlines the buyer's responsibility to look into the guilty of the guides prior to purchasing it.

 

Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat

This is an interesting one. Also, this plays great importance, and has been prevalent since eons. The legal maxim literally means that ignorance of law isn't any excuse.

According to this principle, no person can escape the liability for the violation of a law simply for the reason that s/he was not aware of the law. Therefore, it talks about the individuals' responsibility to stay informed relating to the legal requirements.

 

Volenti Non Fit Injuria

This comes as a tricky one. However, no law enthusiast can deny its importance. The legal maxim translates to "to a willing person, there isn't any injury done."

This legal principle means that one can't claim the damages from a harm that one has willfully consented to. This legal maxim is often made to use in situations when individuals or groups willfully engage in dangerous activities.

 

Res Ipsa Loquitor

This is also one of the most commonly used legal maxim. This legal principle is usually heard in cases of negligence. The legal maxim actually shifts all the burden of proof to the defendant side and demands it to prove that their behavior was not negligent in nature.

 

Nemo Judex In Causa Sua

Our list ends with this interesting legal maxim. This one says that nobody should act as a judge in their very own cause. This ensures that there isn't any impartiality in the judicial proceedings. The legal maxim states that a judge must never preside over a legal case in which s/he has her/his very own interest.

Astha Pasricha
Astha Pasricha

Content Writer

    Astha Pasricha is a content writing professional with experience in writing rich and engaging content for websites, blogs, and chatbots. She is a graduate of Journalism and Mass Communication and English Honors. She has previously worked with organizations like Groomefy, Shiksha.com, Upside Me, EGlobal Soft Solutions and Codeflies Technologies Pvt. Ltd. At Jagran Josh, she writes content for the General Knowledge section. You can reach her at astha.pasricha@jagrannewmedia.com.
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