Foreign Legal Words and Phrases

A
By so much the stronger reason, i.e., all the more
A Fortiori
Argument from the consequence to the antecedent
A Posteriori
Deductive; from earlier i. e., original or antecedent; argument from
A Priori antecedent to the consequent; not empirical
See Profit
A Prendre
From Ancient times
Ab Antiquo
From without
Ab Extra
From the beginning
Ab Initio
'Succession ab intestate' means succession to the property of a person
Ab Intestato who has not made his will
From within
Ab Intra
Plain language does not need an interpreter
Absolute sententia
expositore non
indiget
An acquittal; a decree in favour of the defendant
Absolvitur
Without impeachment of waste
Absque Impetitione
Vasti
Without any infringement of a right
Absque Injuria
Without such cause
Absque Talicausa
Equity regards as done that which ought to have been done. Equity
Acquitas factum treats a contract to do a thing as producing the state of affairs which
habet quod fieri the parties intended should exist when the contract had been duly
oportuit performed
A shareholder
Actionary
A judicial or other act performed out of court and not a matter of
Act in pais record
Wrongful act
Actus Reus
At another day
Ad alium diem
To hear
Ad audiendum
At the day
Ad Diem
To the thread or centre line of the stream
Ad Filum Aquae
 To the centre of the way or road
Ad.Filum vise
At or near end
Ad Finem
For this
Ad Hoc
To the man ; personal
Ad hominem
Agreeing in the essential point
Ad Idem
Without limit
Ad Infinitum
In the meantime
Ad Interim
On a suit or action
Ad Litem
At length
Ad Longum
In pity
Ad Miseri Cordium
Disgusting
Ad Nauseum
For further consideration
Ad Referendum
According to the value
Ad Valorem
Other wrongs. A declaration in trespass usually concluded thus ; "and
Alia Enormia other wrongs to the plaintiff then did" etc. [Rawson]
Otherwise called
Alias
A plea by a person accused of an offence that he was 'elsewhere' - that
Alibi having regard to the time and place when and where he is alleged to
have committed the offence, he could no have been present.
Under another's authority. See Sui • juris
Alieni Juris
In the land of another ; on other's land
Alieno solo
With another intent than that alleged, i, e., not bona fide
Alio Intuitie
Otherwise
Aliter
(Friend of Court) ; A stander-by, not being a party to, or interested in,
Amicus Curiae the cause, who informs the Court of any decided case or other fact of
which it can take judicial notice. [Rawson]
Intention to desert
Animus deserendi
The intention of possession and ownership by entry or user
Animus domini
The intention of possessing
Animus possidendi
The intention of returning
Animus revertendi
 A reference to the previous part of the same book or statement
Ante
Before the war
Ante Bellum
Before litigation commenced
Ante Litem Motam
An award is a judgment
Arbitrium est
Judicium
Hear the other side. Both sides should be heard before a decision is
Audi alteram partem arrived at
Act of faith
Aute De Fe
In right of another, e. g., a trustee holds in the right of his cestui que
Autre (Auter) Droit trust
Formerly acquitted. A plea in criminal cases that one has been already
Autre Fois Acquit µ acquitted on the same charge
Formerly attainted. A plea in criminal cases that one is still attainted
Autre Fois Attaint
Formerly - convicted. A plea in criminal cases that one was already
Autre Fois Convict convicted on the same charge
From the bond of matrimony
A Vinculo
Matrimoni

B
If a man has a natural son, and afterwards marry the mother, and by
Bastard Eigne her have a legitimate son, the latter is called mulier puisne and the
elder son Bastard eigne [Rawson]
A true bill
Bille Vera
With good faith, i. e., without fraud or unfair dealing
Bona Fide
Short attested memoranda, originally introduced to obviate the
Brevia Testa uncertainty arising from parol feoffments : hence modern
conveyances have gradually arisen. [Rawson]

C
The argument is at end
Cadit Queslio
The Star Chamber, a Court originally created to prevent the
Camera Stellata obstruction cf justice in the inferior courts by undue influence
(Let the bill be quashed) ; an entry on the record that the plaintiff
Cassetur Billa withdraws his bill
An occurrence giving rise to or justifying war
Casus Belli
A case stipulated by treaty or which comes within the terms of
Casus Faederis compact
A point unprovided for by statute
Casus Omissus
 The immediate cause ; same as causa proxima
Causa Causans
In respect of death
Causa 'Mortis
[See Causa causans]
Causa Proxima
A cause without which the effect would not have been caused
Causa sine qua non
Let the purchaser beware. Where the purchaser does not require a
Caveat Emptor warranty, he, in most cases, has to take the risk of the article not
being of the desired quality. [Rawson]
Let the traveller beware. This applies where gratuitous permission is
Caveat Viator given to persons to pass over private land, who must take the risk of
accident arising from negligence of the owner. [Rawson]
I have taken the body and have it ready
Cepi corpus
The person who possesses the equitable or beneficial right to
Cestui Que Trust property, the legal estate of which is vested in a trustee. Also called a
beneficiary
By stealth, force or licence
Clam Viaut Precario
Common or universal error makes law
Communis error
facit jus
Leave to accord or agree
Conge D' Accorder
Leave to choose
Conge D' Elire
It has been considered by the court
Consideratum Est
Per Curiam
Contract requiring of utmost goodwill
Contractue
uberrima fides
Against good morals
Contra Bonos Mores
In presence of a person who is not Ridge
Coram Non Judice
Before his peers
Coram Paribus
The body of facts which constitute an offence; gist or of the offence
Corpus delicti
The thing possessed
Corpus possessionis
Hue and cry
Cry De Pais
Gross neglect
Culpa Lata or Magna
Slight or excusable neglect
Culpa Levis
With a grain of salt
Cum Grano Salis
 With the will annexed
Cum Testamento
Annexo
(Abbreviated as cur. adv. vult, or C.A.V.) The desires to consider
Curia Advisari Vult
In the custody of the law
(In) Custodia Legis

D
Doing damage
Damage-Feaisant or
Faisant
A disadvantageous or unprofitable inheritance
Damnosa
Haereditas
Loss of by an act is not wrongful
Damnum Absque
Injuria, also
Damnum Sine
Injuria
What is given ; the promises upon which an argument is based ;
Data certain given facts from which others may be inferred
To allow a thing to be done provisionally and out of due course. This
De Bene Esse phrase is used when anything is allowed to be done at a present time
with the view of its being examined at a future time, and then
standing or falling according to the merit of the thing in its own
nature.
A real debt, a charge on land
Debitum Fundi
A decree is said to be made nisi when it is to take effect after a
Decree nisi specified period or after the person affected by it fails to show cause
against it within a certain time
From day to day ; continuously
De Die in Diem
I have given and granted
Dedi et Concessi
We have given the power
Dedimus Potestatum
In fact, by right
De Facto, De Jure
Failure of issue
Defectus Sanguins
Outside of ; unconnected with ; unrelated to
Dehors
In law, independent of what obtains in fact
De jure
The law takes no account of very trifling matters [S. 95, I.P.C.]
De minimis non ,
curat lex
A delegated power cannot be further delegated
Delegatus non potest
delegare
 Incapable of malice. In Indian Law, this conclusive presumption has
deli in capax been adopted for children under seven years of age. [S. 82. I.P.C.]
Anew, afresh
De Novo
Day on which no legal business can be transacted, e. g., Sunday.
Dies Non Christmas Day
The House of Lords
Dom Proc (Domus
procerum)
A gift of personal property in prospect of death
Donatio Mortis
Causa
Whilst single or unmarried
Dum Sola
During the pleasure
Dureate bene placito

E
Passages or names quoted on edicts
Edictal Citation
Of the same kind or nature
Ejusdem Generis
Child in womb
En ventre sa mere
The right of power of the government to take private property for
Eminent domain public use on making just compensation therefor. The power of a
Sovereign State to take or to authorise the taking of any property with
in its jurisdiction for public use without the owner's consent
From abundant or excessive caution
Ex Abundanti
Cautela
With the weight of one in authority
Ex Cathedra
Execution is the end and fruit of the law
Executio est finis et
fructus legis
From what is due of right
Ex Debito Justitiae
From a delict, tort, fault, crime or malfeasance
Ex-delicto
(Abbreviated as e.g.,) For the purpose of example
Exempli Gratia
Of his own accord
Ex Mero Motu
By virtue of his office
Ex Officio
No action arises on an illegal agreement
Ex pacto illicito non
oritur actio
Expression used to signify something done or said by one person not
Ex parte in the presence of his opponent
 Made after the occurrence
Ex Post Facto
Narrated to the reporter by a friend
Ex Relatione Amici
From a base cause
Ex turpi causa
From the force or meaning of the expression
Ex Ve Termini

F
Made it like ; an exact copy
Facsimile
The "fact which cannot be altered" though it should not have been
Factum Valet done
An accomplished fact
Fait accompli
A deed enrolled
Fait Enrolle
The incorrectly described quantity has to be rejected as falsa
Falsa Demonstratio demonstratio. [Irongaobi Pisciculture Co-operative Society v Chief
Commissioner of Manipur, AIR 1969 Manipur 84 (87)]
A thief taken with the fang is one caught having the stolen property
Fang upon him
A felon with respect to himself ; a suicide
Felo De Se
A married woman
Feme Covert
An unmarried woman
Femi Sole
Wild animals
Ferae Naturae
Let it be done ; a decree
Fait
In the very act of committing the crime
Flagrante Delicto
Let justice be done
Fiat justitia
Let justice be done, though the heavens fall
Fiat justitia, ruat
caelum
A baby in the womb
Foetus
A Court
Forum
The Court of the country of a man's domicile by birth
Forum Originis
The phrase is used of one who having discharged his duty has
Functus Officio terminated his authority or appointment

G
 Behaviour as heir ; conduct by which the heir renders himself liable
Gestio Pro Haerede for his ancestor's debts, as by taking possession of title-deeds,
receiving rent, etc. [Rowson]
A mercantile meeting or assembly
Gilda Mercatoria
Assigned to the land
Glebae Ascriptitii

H
Heirs begotten ; children
Haeredes Proximi
Heirs riot begotten, e.g., grand children and. others descending in a
Haeredes direct line
Remotiores
An inheritance not taken up
Haereditas Jacens
Heir appointed by will
Haeres Faetus
Heir by descent
Haeres Natus
Unfit to light, disabled
Hors de combat

I
In the same place, volume of case
Ibidim, Ibid, Id
An illustration or proof
Idem Per Idem
Sounding alike
Idem Sonans
Letter of legislation
litera Legis
A licence to print or publish
Imprimatur
In another place
In Alio Loco
At the discretion of the Judge
In Arbitrio Judicis
At the point of death
In Articulo Mortis
In another's right
In Auter (Autre)
Droit
In the custody of the law
In Custodia Legis
Actually existing ; as opposed to in posse : in a state of possible
In Esse existence
From beginning to end ; leaving out nothing
In Extenso
At the last gasp
In Extremis
 In favour of liberty or life
In Favorem
Libertatis or Vitae
In course of accomplishment or completion
In Fieri
As a 'pauper' . See Pauper
In Forma Pauperis
In the bosom of the law
In Gemio Legis
To excite prejudice
In Invidium
Against a person's will
In Invitum
At the outset
In Limine
When a person assumes the moral obligation of providing for an
In Loco Parentis infant as a parent should, he is said to be in loco parentis i.e., in the
place of a parent
To the heart of the matter
In Medias Res
In the notes
In Notis
Done without legal formalities
In Fais
When both parties are equally in fault, in equal fault
In pari delicto
In an analogous case
In Pari Materia
An act or proceeding done or directed against or with reference to a
In personam specific person
Possibility of being as opposed to in esse-in a state of being Achikd en
In posse ventre sa mere is a child in posse but the law regards it as in esse for
all purposes which are for its benefit
At the present time ; at once ; immediately effective
In presenti
In the matter of
In Re
An act or proceeding done or directed with reference to no specific
In rem person or with reference to all whom it might concern
In the whole ; entirely
In Solido
In an unaltered old state
In Status quo
For the purpose of intimidating
In Terrorem
In so many words
In Totidem Verbis
In the whole ; totally
In Toto
It is begun
Incipitur
Injury without damage ; am infringement of a right without causing
Injuria sine damno damage
 Difference capable of being understood. A factor that distinguishes
Intelligible one in different state or class from another which is capable of being
differentia understood
Among other things
Inter Alia
Within its powers, as opposed to ultra vires
Intra Vires
(He himself and it) ; a mere or bare assertion resting on one's own
Ipse Dixit authority
By the very fact itself
Ipso Facto
By the law, itself
Ipso jure
To go at large
Ire Ad Largum

J
Judgment of God
Judicium Dei
Of law and from law. A conclusive presumption, which cannot be
Juris Et De Jure rebutted, is so called
An inchoate and imperfect right
Jus Ad Rem
The common and natural rule of right
Jus commune
The right of disposing of property
Jus Desponendi
To declare the law, not to make it
Jus dicere et non ins
dare
A right against another person to oblige him to do or not to do
Jus in Personam something
A complete and full right to a thing to the exclusion of all other men
Jus In Re
The unwritten law
Jus non scriptum
A right depending on request, not enforceable at law
Jus Precarium
The private or civil or municipal law
Jus Privatum
The right of a widow in her deceased husband's personality
Jus Relictae
The right of a third person
Jus Tertii
According to the form cf the statute
Juxta Formum
Statuti

L
Legitimate heirs-agnates
Legitimi Haeredes
 A partnership in which one gets the lion's share
Leonina Societas
The law of the country of one's domicile
Lex Domicilii
The law of the country where an action is brought
Lex Fori
The law of the country where the contract was made
Lex Loci Contractus
The law of the country where a tort has been committed
Lex Loci Delicti
The law of the place where the thing is situate
Lex Loci Rei Sitae
The mercantile law
Lex Mercatoria
The law dues not compel the impossible
Lex non cogit ad
impossibilia
The unwritten law
Lex Non Scripta
Same as Lex fori
Lex Ordinandi
The written or statute law
Lex Scripta
The law of realisation
Lex Talionis
(Law of retaliation)
Lex tallienes
Frank. or free tenement
Liberum
Tenementum
A pendig suit
Lis pendens
The place governs the act
Loco Regit Actum
A deputy
Locum Tenens
The place in which
Locus in Quo
A chance of repentence
Locus Poenitentiae
The right of a party to appear and be heard by a court of justice
Locus Standi

M
Bad faith as opposed to bona fide
Mala Fides
Acts which are wrong in themselves whether prohibited by human
Mala in Se laws or not as distinguished from mala prohibita.
Bad management
Mala Praxis
Acts prohibited by human law
Mala Prohibita
 Malice atore-thought.
Malitia Praecogita
In spite ; unwillingly
Malo Grate
A bad custom
Malus usuo
A guilty mind
Mens rea
Middle or intermediate
Mesne
The profits which a person in wrongful possession of the property
Mesne profits actually received or might with ordinary diligence have received
therefrom together with interest on such profits excluding the profits
due to improvement made by the person in wrongful possession
An arbitrary americament or punshment
Miseri Cordia
In the manner and the form mentioned
Modo Et Forma
Mode of operating ; the way in which a thing, cause etc. operates ; the
Modus operandi way in which a person goes to work ; a distinct pattern or method of
procedure thought to be characteristics of an individual criminal and
habitually followed by him
The manner of living ; a way of life
Modus vivendi
With the necessary changes being made. When there is provision in a
Mutatis Mutandis statute to apply certain law or its provision mutatis mutandis, the
same cannot imply delegation, or abdication of legislative power.
[Debi Mata v State of W.B., 76 CWN 308: AIR 1972 Cal 497]

N
(Nem, con.) Non contradicting
Nemine
contradicente
No one, nobody
Nemo
Bond, link or connection
Nexus
A decree, rule or order of the Court is said to be made nisi when it is
Nisi not to be of force unless the party against whom it is made fails within
a certain time to show cause against, i.e., a good reason why it should
not be made. [Rawson]
A nisi prius trial now means a trial before Judge with a jury
Nisi Prius
To be unwilling to prosecute
Nolle Prosequi
Whether willing or unwilling
Nolens Volense
Extremely common name
Nomen
generalissium
He did not promise
Non Assumpsit
 Nonn twice for the same
Non bis in idem
He took not
Non Cepit
Person of unsound mind
Non Compos Mentis
He did not grant
Non Consessit
It is not certain, it does not follow
Non Constat
He did not demise
Non Demisit
It is a defence in an action founded on a document when there has
Non est factum been a mistake as to the very nature of the transaction
Notwithstanding
Non Obstante
It does not follow
Non Sequitur
One is known by his companions ; the meaning of a word or
Noscitur a Sociis expression is to be gathered from the surrounding words, that is from
the context
A new act intervening
Novos Actus
Interveniens
A bare contract, i. e., one not made under seal and for no
Nudum Pactum consideration
A son of nobody, i.e., a natural child
Nullius Filius

O
A saying by the way
Obiter Dictum
Onus of proof
Onus Probandi
By word of mouth
Ore Tenus

P
Contracts are to be kept
Pacta sunt servanda
Having same matter, text or language
Pari Materia
With equal steps
Pari Passu
Reasonable part
Pars Rationabilis
A partner in crime
Particeps Criminis
Sharer of a crime
Participient
Criminis
 A sui juris and head of the family
Pater Familias
During pendency of litigation
Pendente Lite
By the year
Per annum
By the number of individuals
Per Capita
Percentage according to the value
Per Centum ad
Valorem
By the day
Per diem
By the month
Per mensem
By the number of families
Per Stirpes
Thought want of care
Per Incuriam
Whereby
Per Quad
By itself
Per Se
One described as an individual
Persona Designata
An acceptable person (in diplomatic parlance)
Persona grata
An unacceptable person (in diplomatic parlance)
Persona non grata
Of the worst example
Pessimi Exempli
Full ownership, the right of property in a thing coupled with the right
Plenum dominium to its. use and enjoyment
After the starting of litigation
Post Litem Motam
On the first aspect
Prima Facie
Of first impression
Prima Impressionis
Private advantage must yield to public
Privatum
Commodum Publico
Cetid
As a matter of form
Pro Forma
For this occasion
Pro Hac Vice
In proportion
Pro Rata
For the public good
Probono Publico
To that extent
Pro tanto
 For the time being, temporarily, provisionally
Pro Tempore
By its own force
Proprio Vigore
Of public right
Public Juris
Later born
Puisne

Q
In the character of, in virtue of being
Qua
As must be deserved
Quarantine
As much they were worth
Quantum Valebant
(Which is the same), a form of plea in actions of trespass and the like,
Que Est Eadem traversing the time and place named in the declaration. [Rawson]
Where an injunction is granted to prevent a threatened as
Quia Timet distinguished from an existing wrongful act, it is called quia timet
injunction injunction
Something for something ; a consideration
Quid Pro Quo
With that mind
Quo Animo
As to this
Quoad Hoc
That whereas
Quod cum
That he do recover the debt or damages, a final judgment for a
Quod Recuperet plaintiff in a personal action
As to the rest
Quod Ultra
(Which see) ; a means of reference to the word which precedes
Q. V.-Quod Vide

R
Reason or justification for existence.
Raison d' Etre
The reason for the decision in a cause or matter
Ratio Decidendi
The reasons or occasion of the law
Ratio Legis
By reason of tenure or occupation
Ratione Tenurae
One against whom no accusation is made
Recius in Curia
The method of disproving an argument - showing that it leads to an
Reductio Ad absurd conclusion
Absurdum
 General rules
Regulae Generales
Things common to all
Res Communes
All things done in the course of a transaction
Res Gestae
A matter not yet decided
Res Integra
(The thing speaks for itself). A matter in which no proof is required. A
Res Ipsa Loquitur phrase used in actions for injuries due to negligence
A matter already judicially decided
Res Judicata
A thing that has no owner
Res Nullius
Things of the state dedicated to the use of citizens
Res Publicae
The rescinding of a contract or transaction on the ground of fraud,
Restitutio in etc, so as to restore the parties to their original position. [Rawson]
Integrum
A rule or order upon condition that is to become absolute when cause
Rule nisi is shown to the contrary

S
Same case
S. C.
Without recourse
Sans Recours
(Knowingly, wilfuly), an allegation in the pleading that the defen-dant
Scienter did the thing in question wilfully. It must be proved in an action of
deceit. [Rawson]
According to the pleadings and the proofs
Secundum
Allegataet probata
(Otherwise), to the contrary effect
Secus
(It seems). Used in Reports to show that a point is not decided
Semble directly, but may be inferred
Without day ; indefinitely
Sine Die
Without issue
Sine Proble
An indispensable requisite
Sine Qua Non
A sum paid to an injured party over and above the actual damages by
Solatium way of solace to his wounded feelings
The chance of an heir apparent succeeding to an estate
Spes Successionis
To stand by thing decided ; to abide by precedents where the same
Stare Decisis points come again in litigation
Existing condition
Status quo
 Of the most strict law
Strictissimi Juris
Under condition or restriction
Sub Modo
A writ commanding attendance in a court under penalty
Subpoenea
In course of trial
Sub Judice
In silence
Sub Silentio
A false suggestion, misrepresentation
Suggestio Falsi
(Of his own right), a person who is neither a minor nor insane nor
Sui Juris subject to any disability, as opposed to alieni juris.
A wilful concealment of a truth
Suppressio Veri
Let him be hanged by the neck
Sus. Per. Coll

T
The starting point
Terminus A Quo
The terminal point
Terminus Ad Quem
Firm ground
Terra Firma
In so many words
Totidem Verbis
As often as occasion arises
Toties Quoties
Transfer between living persons [S. 2(d). Government Savings
Transfer Inter Vivos Certificates Act]
One who, of his own authority, enters into the possession or attends
Trustee do son Tort to the management of the porperty which belongs beneficially to
another
A base or immoral consideration, on which no action can be founded
Turpis Causa

U
(Most entire confidence). Contracts made between persons in a
Uberrima Fides particular relationship of confidence, as guardian and ward, attorney
and client, or insured and insurer, require the fullest information to
be given before hand by the person in whom the confidence is
reposed to the person confiding, or the court will refuse to enforce the
contract on behalf of the former. [Rawson]
When there is a right, there is a remedy
Ubi jus ibi
remedium
The ultimate or last heir
Ultimtus Haeres
 Beyond their powers. It means that something has been clone by a
Ultra Vires person or body of persons which was beyond him, or their power

V
A dead pledge ; a mortgage
Vadium Mortuum
Let it have its weight
Valebat Quantum
By force of arms
Vi Et Armis
See ; a word of reference
Vide
Authority ; power
Vires
Irresistible force
Vis Major
By word of mouth
Viva Voce

Foreign Legal Maxims

A
From the words of the law there must be no departure.
A Verbis Legis Non
Est, Recedendum
From things to which we are accustomed no legal wrong can arise.
Ab Assuetis, Non Fit
Injuria
Extreme care does no mischief.
Abundans Cautela
Non Nocet
That which is accessory or incidental follows its principal, e.g., crops
Accessorium or fixtures go with the land they are on.
Sequitur Suum
Principale
No one is bound to accuse himself.
Accusare Nemo Se
Debet
A personal action dies with the person
Actio Personalis
Moritur Cum
Persona
The burden cf proof lies on the plaintiff.
Actor Incumbit
Onus Probandi
A plaintiff follows the Court of the defendant.
Actor Sequitur
Forum Rei
 When the plaintiff does not prove his case, defendant is acquitted.
Actori Non Probante
Reus Absolvitur
The act of the Court does wrong to no one.
Actus Curae
Neminer Fact
Injuriam
The act of God prejudices no one.
Actus Dei Ressisi
Nocet
An act done by me against my will is not my act.
Actus Me Invito
Factus, Non Est
Mensactus
An act does not make a man --;-less he be so in intention.
Actus -Non Facit
Reum, Nisi Mens Sit
Rea
An imperfect possession is accustomed to prevail as against outsiders
Adversus extraneousclaiming adversely.
-vitiosa possessio
prodessi solet
That which is built upon the land goes with the land.
Aedificatum Solo,
Solo Cedit
Equity is, as it were, equality.
Acquitas Est Quasi
Aequalitas
Equity follows laws.
Aequitas Sequitur
Legem
The intention is punished the consequences do not follow
Aflectus Yunitur
Licet Non Sequatur
Effeetus
The burden of proof lies upon him who affirms, not upon him who
Affirmenti, Non denies.
Neganti, Incumbit
Proratio
Acting and consenting parties are liable to the same punishment.
Agentes Et
Consentien Tes Pari
Paens Plectentur
Alienation is favour rather than accumulation.
Alienatio Rei
Praefertur Juri
Accrescendi
One man cannot incur a liability through another.
Alii Per Alium Non
Acquiritur Obligatio
A person making contradictory allegations is not to be listened to.
Allegans Contaria
Non Est Audiendus
An ambiguous answer is to be taken against him who makes it.
Ambigua Responsis
Contra Proferentem
Est Accipienda
verificatione suppletur, nam quod ex facto oritur.
Ambiguitas
Verborum Latens
Latent ambiguity of words may be removed by parole evidence, for an
Ambiguum ambiguity arising upon proof of extraneous fact may be removed in
Verificatione facti like manner.
tollitur
A patent ambiguity cannot be cleared up by extrinsic evidence [S. 93,
Ambiguitas Indian Evidence Act].
Verborum Patens
Nulls Verificatione
excluditur
Intention attracts all law to itself.
Animus Ad Se
Omina Jusducit
Water passes with the soil.
Aqua Cedit Solo
An argument from a like case is good in law. The binding effect of a
Argumentum a decision does not depend upon whether a particular argument was
Simili Valet in Lege considered therein or not provided that the point with reference to
which an argument was subsequently advanced was actually decided.
The assignee gets only the right of the assignor.
Assignatus Utitur
Jure Auctoris

B
He gives double who gives promptly.
Bis Dat Qui Cito Dat

C
The immediate and not the remote cause is to be regarded.
Causa Proxima, Non
Remota Specs Tatur
The cause ceasing, the effect ceases.
Cessante Causa,
Cessat Effectus
The reason of the law ceasing, the law itself ceases.
Cessante Ratione
Leg-is Cessat Ipsa
Lex
That is certain which can be rendered certain.
Cestum Est Quod
Certain Reddipotest
A deed found with the debtor is presumed to be paid.
Chiorgraphum Apud
Debitorem
Repertum
Praesumitur
 Those sinning secretly are punished more severely than those sinning
Clam Delinquentes openly.
Magis Puniuntur
Quam Palam
Unusual clauses always, excite suspicion.
Claussulae
Inconsuetae Semper
Inducunt
Suspicionem
No person ought to have advantage from his own wrong.
Commondum Ex
Injuria Sua Memo
Habera Debet
Abbreviations are a loss of time. [Cf. The longest way round is the
Compendia Sunt shortest way home].
Dispendia
A custom should be certain, for uncertain things are held as nothing.
Consuetudo Debet
Esse Certa ; Nam
Incerta, Pro Nullis
Habentur
Consent, not cohabitation, constitute marriage.
Consensus, Non
Concubitus, Facit
Matrimonium
Consent removes mistake.
Consensus Tollit
Ertorem
Custom is the best interpreter of laws.
Consuetudo Est
Optimus Interpres
Legum
A contemporaneous interpretation is the best and strongest in law.
Contemporanea
Exposito Est Optima
et Fortissima in lege
Time does not run against a person under disability.
Contra Non
Valentem Agere
Nulla Currit
Praescriptio
A contract arising from a base consideration, or against morality, is
Contractus Ex Turpi null.
Causa Vel Contra
Bones Mores Nullus
An agreement prevails against any implication Of law.
Conventio Vincit
Legem
Every one who if skilled in his own act is to be believed.
Cuilibet in Arte Sua
Perito Est
Credendum
One may waive a legal right existing in his favour.
Cuilibet licet juri pro
se introduce to
renuntiare
He who has the advantage should also have the disadvantage.
Cujus Est
Commodum Ejus
Debet Esse
Incommodum
Whose it is to give, his it is to regulate the manner of the gift.
Cujus Est Dare Ejus
Est Disponere
When one party has the division, the other has the choice.
Cujus Est Divisio
Alterius Est Electio
He that legislates may also abrogate.
Cujus Est Instituere
Ejus Est Abrogare
One may waive a legal right existing in his favour.
Cuilibet Licet Juri
Pro Se Introdue to
Renuntiare
Gross negligence is equivalent to intentional wrong.
Culpa Lala Dolo
Aequiparatur
Let punishment be in proportion to the crime.
Culpae Paena Par
Esto
One confessing willingly should be dealt with more leniently.
Cum Confitante
Sponte Mitius Est
Agendum

D
The law takes no account of trifles.
De Minimis Non
Curat Lex
Debts follow the person of the debtor.
Debita Sequntur
Personam Debitoris
A debtor is not presumed to give.
Debitor Non
Presumitr Donare
A delegate has no power to delegate.
Delegatus Non
Potest Delegare
A day begun is held as complete.
Dies Inceptus Pro
Completo Habetur
The fraud of a predecessor prejudices not his successor.
Dolus Auctoris Non
Nocet Successori
He who wishes to decive uses general or ambiguous terms.
Dolus Versatur in
generalibus
 To every one, hi, is the safest refuge. [Cf. Every man's house is his
Domus Sun Euique own castle].
Est Tutissimum
Refugium
A gift is not presumed.
Donatio Non
Praesumitur
A gift is perfected by the possession of the receiver.
Donatio Perticitur
Possessione
Accipientis
The laws sometimes never (lie).
Dormiunt Aliquando
Leges, Nunquam
Moriuntur
Two cannot possess the whole of one thing in its entirely.
Duo Non Possunt in
Solidu Unam Rem
Possidere

E
He who has the dominion or advantage has the risk.
Ejus Est Periculum
Cujus Est Dominium
Ant Commodum
He is not in any fault who is bound to obey.
Ejus Nul a Culpa Est
Cui Parer Necesse
Sit
The best interpretation is made from the context.
Ex Antecidentibus Et
Consequentibus Fit
Optma Interpretatio
The execution of the process of law does no injury.
Executio Juris Non
Habet Injuriam
One who takes upon himself the office of an executor by intrusion,
Executor De Son not being so constituted by the testator.
Tort
After a lapse of time everything is presumed to have been properly
Ex Diuturnitate done.
Temporis Onmia
Praesummuntur
Rite Esse Acta
No right of action can arise cut of a fraud.
Ex Dolo Malo Non
Oritur Actio
From a nude, contract, no right of action arises.
Ex Nudo Pacto Non
Oritur Actio
From an immoral cause no arise".
Ex Turpi Causa Non
Oritur Actio
 An exception proves the rule concerning things not excepted.
Exceptio Probat
Regulam De Rebus
Non Exceptis
Examples illustrate but do restrain the law.
Exempla Illustrant
Non Restringunt
Legem
It is for the public good that no one uses his property badly.
Expedit, Rei
Publicae Ne Sua
Reuqis Male Utetur
It is for the public good that there should be an end to litigation.
Expedit Rei Publicae
Ut Sit Finis Litium
Experience teaches.
Experientia Docet
The mention of one is the exclusion of another.
Expressio Unius Est
Exclusio Alterius
What is expressed makes what is silent cease.
Expressum Facit
Cessare Taciturn
He who is placed out of the law is civilly dead.
Extra Legum
Position Est Civiliter
Moriuus
"The court will not recognise a claim or cause of action based on a
Ex Turpis Causa Non turpitude". The plaintiff can challenge order of allotment, if he was in
Oritur Actio 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
Deeds are more powerful than words.
Facta Sunt
Potentiora Verbia
An action of a Judge which relates not to his office is of no case.
Faotum a Judice
Quod Ad Ejus
Officium Non
Spectat, Non Ratum
Esi
Let right be done, though heavens should fall.
Fait Justitia Ruat
Caelum
A false description does not vitiate (a document).
Falsa Demonstratio
Non Nocet
Bad spelling, or bad grammar does not vitiate a grant.
Falsa Orthographia,
Sive Falsa
Grammatica, Non
Vitiat Concessionem
False in one thing false in all.
Falsus in Uno,
Falsus Omnibus
He who flies judgment confesses his guilt.
Fatetur Facinus Qui
Judicium Fugit
A legal fiction does not properly work loss or injury.
Fictio Leges Inique
Opertur Alien
Idamnum Vel
Injuriam
It ought not to have done, but when done it is binding.
Fieri Non Debuit,
Sed Factum Valet
The law does not take notice of a portion of a day.
Fractionem Diei Non
Receipit Lex
It is fraud to conceal fraud.
Fraus Est Celare
Fraudem
Fraud lies hid in general expressions.
Fraus Laten in
Generalibus
A mad man has no will, i.e., he is not criminally responsible.
Furiosis Nulla
Voluntas Est
There is no theft where the origin of the possession was with the
Fortum Non Est Ubi consent of the owner.
Initium Habet
Detentionis Per
Dominum Rei

G
General words do not derogate from special.
Generalia
Specialibus Non
Derogant
General words are to be understood in a general sense.
Generalia Verba
Sunt Generaliter
Intelligenda
False grammar does not vitiate a deed.
Grammaiica Falsa
Non Vitiat Chartum

I
That is certain which can be reduced to a certainty.
Id Certum Est Quod
Certum Reddi Potest
 Not to be and not to appear are the same. In the law of evidence
Idem Est Non Esse where a person on whom the onus of proving an affirmative fails in
Et Non Apparere such proof, the contrary is presumed, though there be no evidence in
support of that presumption.
Ignorance of the fact excuses ; ignorance of the law excuses not.
Ignorantia Facti
Excusat, Ignorantia
Juris Non Excusat
Ignorance of law is no excuse.
Ignorantia Legis
neminem Excusat
(Ignorantia Legis
haud excusat ;
ignorantia Legis Non
Excusat)
Where the rights are equal, the condition of the possessor is best.
In Aequali Jure
Melior Est Coeditio
Possidentis
In alternative the debtor has the election.
In Alternativis
Electio Estdebitoris
The inclusion of one is the exclusion of another.
Inclusio Unius Est
Exclusio Alterius
Inconvenience does net destroy an argument, e. 5., it is no answer to
In Cemmobum Non an action for the removal of a nuisance that it would be more
Solvit Argumentum 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 similar cases the remedy should be similar.
In Consimili Casu,
Consimili Debet
Essse Remedium
In a doubtful case, the construction which the words point out is the
In Dubio Haec Legis construction given by law.
Constructio Quam
Uerba Ostendunt
In legal fictions there is always an inherent equity.
In Factione Juris
Semper Atquitas
Existit
It is unjust for any one to be a judge in his own case. No one should be
Iniquum Est judge in his own cause.
Aliquem Rei Suae
Esse Judiciem ; In
Propria Causa Nemo
Juder Est
One wrong does not justify another.
Injuria Non Excusat
Injurium
Injury is not presumed.
Injuria Non
Praesumitur
 In criminal acts the intention is to be regarded, not the result.
In Maleficiis
Voluntas. Non
Exitus-Spectatur
Where both parties are equally in the wrong, the possessor or the
In Pari Delicto defendant has the better position. [For applicability see Raja Ram v.
Potior Est Conditio Daulat Ram, AIR 1980 All 161].
Possidentis
The strictest good faith must be observed in partnership transactions.
In Societatis
Contractibus Fides
Exuberet
The intention gives the name to the act.
Intentio Imponit
Nomen Operi
Such an interpretation is to be adopted that the thing may rather
Interpretatio Talis stand than fall.
Facienda Est Ut Res
Magis Valeat Quam
Pereat
It is in the interest of the State that there should be an end of law-suit.
Interest Reipublicae
Ut Sit Finis Litiuum
A benefit cannot be conferred on one who is unwilling to receive it.
Invito Beneficium
Non Datur
Use your own property so as not to injure your neighbour.
Ita Utere Tuo Ut
Alienum Non Leadas

J
In his own cause.
Judex Non Potest
Esse Testis In
Propria Crusa
Judges are not bound to explain the reason of their sentence.
Judices Non
Tenentur Exprimere
Causam Sententiae
Suae
The later decisions are the stronger in law.
Judicia Posteriora
Sunt in Lege
Fortiora
It is the duty of a Judge to decide according to facts alleged and
Judicia Est Judicare proved.
Secundum Allegata
Et Probata
It is for the Judge to administer, not to make laws.
Judicis Est Jus
Dicere Non Dare
In law the immediate or proximate not the remote cause of any event
Jura Non-Remota is regarded.
Causa Sed Proxima
Spectatur
Jurors are only judges of fact.
Juratores Sunt
indices Facti
Relationship is not a matter of prescription.
Juri Sanguinis
Nunquam
Praescribitur
A right cannot arise out of wrong-doing.
Juri Ex Injuria Non
Oritur
A public right cannot be altered by the agreement of private persons.
Jus Publicum
Privatorum Pactis
Mutari Non Potest

L
Gross negligence is tantamount to fraud.
Lata Culpa Dolo
Aequiparatur
Later laws abrogate prior contrary laws.
Leges Posteriores
Priores Contrarias
Abrogant
The interpretation of law obtains the force of law.
Legis Interpretatio
Legis Vim Obtinet
The law will more readily tolerate a private less than a public evil.
Lex Citius Tolerare
Vult Privatum
Damnum Quam
Publicum Malum
The law always abhors delays.
Lex Dilationes
Exhorret
The law does nothing in vain.
Lex Nil Facit Frustra
; Nil Jubet Frustra
The law forces not to impossibilities.
Lex Non Cogita
Impossibilia
The law cares not about trifles.
Lex Non Curat De
Minimis
The law pays regard to equity.
Lex Respicit
Aequitatem
The law has regard to the order and course of nature.
Lex Spectat Naturae
Ordinem
 The place governs the act.
Locus Regit Actum

M
Bad grammar does not vitiate an instrument,
Mala Grammatica
Non Vitiat Chartum
Malice supplies want of age.
Malitia Supplet
Aetatum
The party in possession is in a better condition, i. e., where rights are
MELIOR Est equal.
Conditio
Defendentis, or
Possidentis
It is better to go to the fountain-head than to follow streamlets from
Melius Est Petere it.
Fontes Quam Sectari
Rivulos
He threatens the innocent who spares the guilty.
Minatur
Innocentibus Qui
Parcit Nocentibus
Wretched is the slavery where the law is changeable or uncertain.
Misera Est Servitus
Ubi Jus Est Vagum
Aut Incognitum
Movables follow the person.
Mobilia Sequuntur
Personam
Custom and agreement overrule law.
Modus Et Conventio
Vincunt Legem

N
Nature desires perfection ; so also law.
Natura Appetit
Pepfectum ; Ita Et
Lex
Nature takes no leap ; so neither does law.
Naturae Non Facit
Saltum ; Ita Nee Lex
Necessity is the law of time and place.
Necessitas Est Lex
Temporis Et Loci
Necessity makes that lawful which otherwise is not lawful.
Necessitas Facit
Licitum Quod Alias
Non Est Licitum
Necessity gives a privilege with reference to private rights.
Necessitas Inducit
Priviligum Quod
Jura Privata
Necessity has no law.
Necessitas Non
Habet Legem
Public necessity is greater than private.
Necessitas Publica
Major Est Quam
Privata
Necessity defends what it compels.
Necessitas Quod
Cogit Deffendit
Necessity is not restrained by law ; since what otherwise is not lawful
Necessitas Sub Lege necessity makes lawful.
Non Continetur Quia
Quia Quod Alias Non
Est Lictum
Necessitas Facit
Lictum
Necessity overcomes law, it derives the fetters of laws.
Necessitas Vincit
Legen Legum
Vincula Irridet
A double negative is an affirmative.
Negatio Duplex Est
Affirmatio
Negligence has always misfortune for a companion.
Negligentia Sempeg
Habet Infortunium
Comitem
No one impleads himself.
Nemo Agit in
Seipsum
No one bearing testimony to his own baseness ought to be heard.
Nemo Allegans [Raja Ram v. Daulat Ram, AIR 1980 All 161].
Turpitudinem Suam
Audiendus Est
No one can go against his own deed.
Nemo Contra
Factum Suum
Venire Potest
No one can give that he has not, i.e., a better right one has cannot be
Nemo Dat Quod Non passed.
Habet
No one ought to be punished twice for the same offence.
Nemo Debet Bis
Punire Pro Uno
Delicto
No one can be a judge in his own cause.
Nemo Debet Esse
Judex in Propria
Causa
No one ought to be enriched by another's disaster.
Nemo Debet
Locupietari Aliena
Jactura
No one can be dragged out of his own house. In other words every
nemo De domo Sue mans house in his own castle.
Extrahi Potest
No one can at the same time be the heir and owner of the same
Nemo Ejusdem tenement.
Tenementi Simul
Potest Esse Haeres
Et Dominust
No one ought to be burdened by the act of another.
Nemo Est Alterius
Facto Prae Gravari
Debet
No one is the heir of a living man.
Nemo Est Heares
Viventis
Let no one be relieved or gain ,m advantage by his own fraud.
Nemo Ex Dolo Suo
Proprio Relevetur
Aut Auxilium Capiat
No one maintains an action arising out of his own wrong.
Nemo Ex Proprio
Dolo Consequitur
Actionem
No one makes his condition better by his own misdeed.
Nemo Ex Suo Delicto
Meliorem Swim
Conditionem Facere
Potest
No one ought to be a judge in his own cause.
Nemo in Propria
Causa Judex, Esse
debet
No one can be at once suitor and judge.
Memo Potest Esse
Simul Actor Et
Judex
No one can be tenant and lord.
Nemo Potest Esse
Tenes Et Dominus
No one can do through another what lit, cannot do through himself.
Nemo Potest Facere
Per Alium, Quad Per
Se Non Potest
No one can transfer a greater right to another than lie himself has
Nemo Potest Plus Ad
Juris, Alium,
Transferre Quam
Ipse Habet
No one is presumed to trifle at the point of death.
Nemo Praesumiture
Ludere in Ex Tremis
No One is presumed to be bad.
Nemo Praesumitur
Malus
No one is punished for another's rung.
Nemo Punitur Pro
Aleno Delicto
No one ought to he his own judge or the tribunal in his own affairs.
Nemo Sibi Esse
Judex Vel Suis Jus
Dicere Debet
No one is bound to an impossibility.
Nemo Tenetur Ad
Inpossibilia
No one is bound to foretell.
Nemo Tenetur
Divinare
No one is bound to testify to his own baseness.
Memo Tenetur Jura
Re in Suam
Turpitudinem
No one is hound to accuse or criminate himself.
Nemo Tenetur
Seipsum Accusare
No one should be a judge in his own cause.
Nemo Unquam
Judict In Se
The king can do nothing except what he can by law do.
Nihil Aliud Potest R
x Quam Quod De
Jure Potest
An error as to name is nothing when there is certainty as to the
Nihil Facit Error, person.
Nominis Com Do
Corpore Constat
The court has nothing to do with what is not before it.
Nihil Habet Forum
Ex Scena
Nothing is permitted which is contrary to reason.
Nihil Quod Est
Contra Rationem Est
Licitum
In case of doubt, the more generous and more benign presumptions
Noilioiores Et are to be preferred.
Benigniores
Praesumptions le
Dubiis Sunt
Praeferndae
There is no rule without an exception.
Non Est Regula Quin
Fallat
You are not to do evil that thence good may arise.
Non Facias Malum
Ut Inde Veniat
Bonum
The law consists not in being read but in being understood.
Non In Legendo Sed
In Intellingendo
Leges Consistimt
Not being in way, notwithstanding with, or regardless of.
Non Obstante
A person in possession is not bound to prove that the possession
Non Possetsori belongs to him.
Incumbit Necessitas
Probandi
Possessiones Ad Se
Pertinere
He who cannot be known from himself may be known from his
Noscitur Ex Socio associates.
Qui Non Cognoscitur
Ex Se
A new law ought to be prospective, not retrospective in its operation.
Nova Constitutio
Futuris Formam
Imponere Debet,
Non Praeteritis
Novation is not presumed.
Novatio Non
Praesumitur
Guilt follows the person.
Noxa Sequitur Caput
No time can prejudice the king.
Nullum Tempus
Oceurrit ,Regi
No one is considered to act with guile who uses his own right.
Nullus Videtur Dalo
Facere Qui Suo Jure
Utitur
The estimation of a past offence is never increased by an after-fact.
Nunquam Crescit Ex
Post Facto Praeterti
Delicit Aestimatio
No cohabitation but consent makes the marriage.
Nuptias Non
Coneubitus Sed
Consensus Facie

O
Obedience is the essence of law.
Obedientia Est Legis
Essentia
A reasonable custom is to be obeyed as a law.
Obtemperandum Est
Consuetudini
Rationabili
Tanquam Legi
The concealment of a discovered treasure is fradulent.
Occalsatio Thesatio
Inventi Fraud Ulesa
 Good men hate sin through love of virtle ; bad men through fear of
Oderunt Peccare punishment.
Boni Virtutis
Amore ; Oderunt
Peccare Mali
Formidine Paenae
Odious and dishonest things are not to be presumed in law.
Odiosa Et Inhonesta
Non Sunt In Lege
Praetumenda
The office of magistrate ought not to be sold.
Officio Magistratus
Non Debent Esse
Venalia
An office ought to be injurious to no one.
Officium Nemini
Debet Esse Damno
Sum
The omission of those things which are silently understood is of no
Omissio Corum consequence.
Quae Tacite Insunt
Ninil Operatur
Drunkenness both kindles and uncovers every crime.
Omne Crimen
Ebrietas Et Incendit
Et Detegit
Every right is either made by consent or is constituted by necessity or
Omne Jus Ant is established by custom.
Consensus Facit Ant
Necessitas
Constituit, Aut
Farmavit
Consuetudo
Everyone has a right to renounce those things which have been
Omne Licentiam granted for his own benefit.
Habent His, Quae
Pro Se Introducta
Sunt. Renuncaire
Everything which is built upon the soil belongs to the soil.
Omne Quod Solo
Inaedificatur Solo
Cedit
All sisters are, as it were, one heir to one inheritance.
Omne Sorores Sunt
Quasi Unus Haeres
De Una Haereditate
Every will is completed by death.
Omne Testamentum
Morte
Consummatum W
Every assent removes error.
Oninia Consensus
Tollit Errorem
All crimes done openly are lighter.
Omnia Delicta in
Aperto Leviora Sunt
Every new enactment should effect future, not past time.
Ominia Nova
Constitutio Futuris
Temporibus
Formam Imponeri
Debet, Non
Prateritie
All things are presumed against a wrong-doer.
Omnia
Praesumuntur
Contra Spoliatorem
All thing are presumed to have been done correctly lawfully and with
Ominia due formality until the contrary is proved.
Praesumuntur Rite
Legitime Solemniter
Esse Aeta, Dunce
Probetur In
Contrarium
All things are presumed to have been rightly and duty performed
Omnia until it is proved to the contrary.
Praesumuntur Rite
Et Solemniter Esse
Acta Donec Probatur
In Contrarium
All things which are contracted by law perish by a contrary law.
Omnia Quae Jure
Contrahuntur
Contrario Jure
Pereunt
All things presumed to have been rightly done.
Omnia Rite Acta
Preasumuntur
Custom is the best interpreter of the law.
Optima Est Legis
Interpres
Consuetudo
That system of law is best which confides as little as possible to the
Optimus Est Lex discretion of a Judge ; that Judge is the best who relies as little as
Quae Midimum possible on his own opinion.
Relinquit Arbitrio
Judicis ; Optimus
Judex Qui Minimum
Sibi
Custom is the best interpreter of things. Optimus Legum Interpres
Optimus Interpres Consuetude.
Rerum Usus
The best interpreter of a statute is (all the separate parts being
Optimus Statuti considered) the statute itself.
Interpretatrix Est
(omnimus part calis
ejusdem inspectis)
Ipsum Statutum
P
 Private compacts cannot derogate from public right.
Pacts Privata Juris
Publico Derogare
Non Possum
Let full and speedy justice be done to the parties .
Pans Et Celeris
Justitia Flat
Partibus
Where opinions are equal the defendant is acquitted.
Paribus Sententiis
Reus Absolvitur
An equal has no power over an equal.
Par In Parem
Imperimum Non
Habet
He is the father whom the nuptials indicate.
Pater Est Quem
Nuptiae
Remonstrant
Crimes against nature are the most heinous.
Peccata Contra
Naturam Sunt
Gravissima
During the pendency of litigation no change in the position can be
Pendente Lite Nihil made.
Innovetur
The interest of a man's kindered is equivalent to his own.
Persona Conjuncts
Aequtiparatur Inter
Esse Proprio
By various acts experience framed the law.
Per Varios Actus
Legem Experienta
Facit
Examples hurt more than crimes.
Pin Exempla Quam
Peccata Nocent
The causer offends more than the performer.
Plus Peccata Auctor
Quam Actor
The heir ought not to be bound in a penalty for the crime of the
Poena, Ex Delicto deceased.
Defuncti, Haeres
Teneri Non Debet
Punishments should be softened but not aggravated.
Poena Potius
Molliendae Quam
Exasperandae
Punishment cannot be, crime will be, lasting.
Poenae Non Potest,
Culpa Perennis Erit
Things subsequent supersede things prior caution is better than cure.
Posteriors Derogant
Prioribus
 He who is first in time is preferred in law.
Prior Tempore
Potier Jure
A deprivation presupposes a possession.
Privatio
Praesupposit
Habitum
Private good yields to public.
Privatum
Commodum Publico
Cedit
A privilege avails not against public good.
Privilegium Non
Valet Contra Rem
Publicsm
The extremes being proved, the mean is presumed.
Probatis Extrimis,
Praesumuntur
Media
There is no prescription against procuration.
Procuratianem
Adversus Nulls Est
Praescriptio
He acts prudently who obeys the command of laws.
Prodent Agit Qui
Praecepto Legis
Obtemperat

Q
What has been done by he Court is presumed to be rightly done.
Quae In Curia Regis
Acta Sunt Rite Agi
Praesumuntur
Every craft is to be construed most strongly against the grantor.
Quaelibet Concessio
Fortissime Contra
Donatorem
Interprotanda Est
When the law gives someone anything, it gives him also that without
Quando Lea Aliquid which the thing cannot exist.
Alieni Concedit
Concedere Non
Potest
He who accepts cannot reject.
Qui Approbat Non
Reprobat
He who does a thing through another does it himself.
Qui Facit Per Aliem,
Facit Per Se
He who is in the womb is held as already born, whenever a question
Qui In Utero Est arises for his benefit.
Projam Nato
Habetur, Quoties De
Ejus Commodo
Queritur
He who does not blame approves.
Qui Non Improbat
Approbat
He who spares the guilty, punishes the innocent.
Qui Parcit
Nocentibus,
Innocentes Punit
He who is first ill is better in law.
Qui Prior Est
Tempore Potior Est
Jure
He who receives the advantage must also suffer the burden.
Qui Sentit
Commodum, Sentire
Debet Et Onus
He who is silent, is understood to consent.
Qui Tacet,
Consentire Videtur
Whatever is affixed to the soil, passes with a grant of soil.
Quic Quid Plantatur
Solo, Solo Cedit
An obligation must be dissolved by the same mode as it was
Qui Legatur Eo contracted.
Dissolvitur
When election is once made, it cannot he revoked.
Quod Semel Placuit
in Electionibus,
Amplius Displicere
Non Potest
A promise founded on an illegal consideration is not binding.
Quod Turpi Ex
Causa Promissum
Est, Non Valet

R
Ratification is tantamount to direction.
Ratihabitio Mandato
Aequiparatur
Ratification is tentamount to command.
Ratihabitio,
Mandato Compratur
Reason is the formal cause of custom.
Ratio Est Formalis
Causa Consuet Dinis
The reason of law is the soul of law.
Ratio Legis Est
Animalegis
Reason may be alleged when law is defective ; but it must be true and
Ratio Potest Allegari legal eason, and not merely apparent.
Deficiente Lege, Sed
Ratio Et Legalis Et
Non Apparens
It is a rule that a ompact not to alienate my property is not binding.
Regularitur Non
Valet Pacts De Re
Meanon Alienanda
Relation is a fiction of la an ; is intent to one point.
Rei Atio Est Fictio
Juris Et Intenta Ad
Unum
An impediment being removed, an action emerges .
Remoto
Impedimento
Emergit Actio
It concerns the State that the wills of the dead should have their
Republicae Interest, effect.
Voluntates
Defunctornm
Effectum Sortiri
The accessory follows the principal.
Res Accessoria
Sequitur Rem
Principalem
The thing is named from its principal part.
Res Denominatur A
Principali Parte
It is a miserable state of things when law is vague and uncertain.
Res Est Misera Ubi
Jus Est Vag Um Et
Incertum
Resignation is a spontaneous relinquishment of one's own right.
Resignatio Est Juris
Proprii Spontanae
Refutatio
A transaction between strangers ought not to injure a party.
Res Inter Alios Acta
Alteri Nocere Non
Debet
The thing speaks for itself.
Res Ipsa Loquitur
An adjudicated matter shall be deemed correct.
Res Judicata Pro
Veritate habetur
The grant of any right comes to an end on the termination of the right
Resolutio Jure of the grantor.
Concendentis
Resolvitur Jus
Concessum
Let the principal be held responsible.
Respondeat
Superior
The king is both a legal and political person.
Rex Est Legalis Et
Politicos
 The king is the living law.
Rex Est Lex Vivens
The king can do no wrong.
Rex Non Potest
Peccare
The king never dies.
Rex Nunquam
Moritur

S
The safety of the people is the supreme law.
Salus Populi
Suprema Lex
Where there are more counsellors, there is safety.
Salus Ubi Multi
Consiliarii
Principle of variance between pleading and proof not to be applied
Secundum Allegata when the other party is net taken by surprise. [Kripa Ram v. Harnam
Et Probata Singh, (1968) 70 Punj T R 8091].
In doubtful matters, the more liberal construction is to be preferred.
Semper In Dubiis Be
Nlgiora Praeferenda
In obscure constructions we always apply that which is least obscure.
Semper in Obscuris,
Quod Minimum Est
Sequimur
The presumption is always in favour of the validity of the marriage.
Semper Praesumitur
Pro Matrimonio
Generalities include specialities.
Semper Specialia
Generalibtts Insunt
The meaning of the word is the spirit of the law.
Sensus Verborum
Est Anima Legis
Power should follow justice, not precede it.
Sequi Debet Potentia
Justitiam, Non
Praecedere
So you use your own rights that you do not hurt the right of another.
Sic Uteri Tuo Ut
Alienum Non Leadas
Laws are silent amidst arms.
Silent Leges Inter
Armae
The partner of my partner is not my partner.
Socii Mei Socius,
Meus Socious Non
Est
What is planted in the soil belongs to the soil.
Solo Cedit, Quicquid
Solo Plantatur
 A person who has been despoiled ought to be restored to his former
Sploiatus Debet, state before anything else.
Ante Omnia Restitui
Statutes made for the public good ought to be liberally construed.
Statuta Pro Publico
Commodo Late
Interpretantur
An affirmative statute does not derogate from the common law.
Statutum
Affirmativum Non
Derogat Communi
Legi
One special statute does not take from another special statute.
Statutum Speciale
Statuto Speciale Non
Derogat
The cause being removed, the effect ceases.
Sublato Causa
Tollitur Effectus
The foundation being removed, the superstructure falls.
Sublato
Fundamento Cedit
Opus
The principal being taken away, its adjunct is also taken away.
Sublato Principali
Toflitur Adjunctum
A subsequent marriage removes a previous criminality.
Subsequens
Matrimonium Tollit
Peccatum
Praecedens
The highest law is that which supports religion.
Summa Ratio (Lex)
Est, Quae Pro
Religione Facit
Extreme law is extreme injury. Strict law is strict punishment.
Summum Jus,
Summum Injuria
Summum Lex,
Summa Crux
Superfluities hurt not.
Superflua Non
Nocent

T
Land lying unoccupied is given to the first occupant.
Terra Maneus Vacua
Occupanti
Conseditur
When two conflicting wills are found the last prevails ; so it is when
Testamenta Cum two conflicting clauses occur in the same will.
Duo Inter Se
Pugnantia.
Reperiuntur
Ultimum Ratum
Est ; Sic Fist Cum
Duo Inter Se
Pugnantia
Reperiuntur In
Codem Testamento
Will ought to have the broadest interpretation.
Testamenta
Latissimam
Interpretation em
Habere Debent
Every will is perfected by death.
Testamentum Omne
Morte
Consummatur
The last will of a testator is to be thoroughly fulfilled according to his
Testatoris Ultima real intention.
Voluntas Est
Rerimplenda
Secundum Veram
Intentionem Suam
A lewd person is a sufficient witness to an act committed in a brothel.
Testes Lupanaris
Sufficit Ad Factum
In Lupanari
Witnesses are weighed, not numbered.
Testes Ponderantur,
Non Numerantur
Where the number of witnesses is equal on both sides, the more
Testibus worthy are to be believed.
Desponentibus, In
Pari Numero
Dignioribus Est
Credendum
Evidence is to !x, weighed. not enumerated.
Testimonia
Ponderanda Stint,
Non Enumeranda
An eye-witness is preferred to others.
Testis De Visu
Praeponderat Aliis
No one can be a witness in his own cause.
Testis Nemo In Sua
Causa Casse Potest
One eye-witness is worth more than ten ear-witnesses.
Testis Oculatus
Unus Plus Valet
Quam Auriti Decent
Delivery makes a deed speak, i. e., comes into operation.
Traditio Loqui Facit
Chartam
Land passes subject to any burden affecting it.
Transit Terra Cum
Onere
 That part is bad, which accords not with its whole.
Turpisest Pars Quae
Non Convenit Cum
Suo Toto
That guardianship is secure which is entrusted to itself alone.
Tuta Est Custodia
Quae Sibimet
Creditur
It k safer to err on tee gentler side.
Tutius Erratur Ex
Parte Mitiore
It is always safer to err in acquitting than in punishing on the side of
Tutius Semper Est mercy than of strict justice.
Errare Acquietando
Quam in Puniendo,
Exparte Misericor
Iliac Quam Ex Parte
Justitiae

U
When anything is granted that also is granted without which it could
Ubi Aliquid not exist.
Conceditur Et, Id
Sine Quo Res Ipsa
Esse Non Potest
Where the ordinary remedy fails recourse is made to the
Ubi Cessat extraordinary remedy but recourse is never made to the extraordinary
Remedium where the ordinary is sufficient.
Ordinariu Mibi
Decurritur Ad Extra-
Ordinarium Et
Nunquam
Decurretur Ad
Extraordinarium
Ubi Valet
Ordinarium
Where damages are awarded, the unsuccessful party ought to be
Ubi Damna Dantur condemned in costs to the successful party.
Victus Victori In
Expensis
Condemnari Debet
Where the same reason exists, there the, same law prevails ; and of
Ubi Eadem Ratio Ibi things similar, the judgment is similar.
Eadem Lex, De
Similibus Idem Est
Judicium
Where there is a right, there is a remedy.
Ubi Jus, Ibi
Remedium
Where the law is special and the reason of it is general, it ought to be
Ubi Lex Est taken as being general.
Specialis, Et Ratio
Ejus Generalis
Generaliter
Accipienda Est
Where there is no direct law, the opinion of the Judge is to be taken
Ubi Non Est Directa or references to be made to similar cases.
Lex, Standum Est
Arbitrio Judicis, Vel
Procedendum Ad
Similia
Where there is no principal, there cannot be an accessory.
Ubi Non Est
Principalis Non
Potest Esse
Accessorius
Where a thing is conceded generally this exception arises that there
Ubi Quid shall be nothing contrary to law and right.
Generaliter
Conceditur Inest
Hoec Exceptio, Si
Non Aliqud Sit
Contra Jus Fasque
One person can scarcely supply the places of two.
Una Persona Vix
Potest Supplere
Vices Duarum
Things universal are better known than things particular.
Universalia Sunt
Notoria
Singularibus
That which is the principal part of a thing is the thing itself.
Unumquodque Est
In Quod Est
Principalius In Ipso
Every principle is its own evidence and plain truths are not to be
Unumquodque proved.
Principiorum Est
Sibiment Ipsi Fides ;
Et Prespicum Vera
non Sunt Probanda
The object of title by possession (usucapia) is to put an end to
Usucapio Constituta litigation.
Est Ut Aliquis Litium
Finis Esset
Use is a fiduciary dominion.
Usues Est
Dominium
Fiduciarium
So that punishment may fall on few, the fear of it on all.
Ut Poena Ad Paucos,
Metus Ad Omnes
Perveniat
That it may rather become operative than null. To uphold the
Ut res Magis Valeat constitutionality of statutes whenever it can rationally be done.
Quam pereat
The useful is not vitiated by the useless.
Utiie Per Inutile Non
Vitiatur
A wife has no power of her own but is under the government of her
Uxor Non Est Sui husband, whom in his lifetime she cannot contradict
Juris, Sed Sub
Potestate Viri, Cui in
Vita Contradicere
Non Potest

V
Words are to be understood with reference to the subject-matter.
Verba Accipienda
Sunt Secundum
Subjectum
Materiem
The truth of the demonstration removes the error of the name.
Veritas
Demonstrationis
Tollit Errorem
Nominis
The trodden path is the safest.
Via Trita Est
Tutissima
A delegate cannot have a delegate.
Vicarius Non Habet
Vicarium
Persons living in the neighbourhood are presumed to know the
Vicini Viciniora neighbourhood.
Praesumuntur Scire
Laws come to the assistance of vigilant, not of the sleepy.
Vigilantibus Et Non
Dormientibus Jura
Subveniunt
Husband and wife are considered one person in law.
Vir Et Uxor
Consentur In Lege
Una Persona
Violence is inimical to the laws.
Vis Legibus Est
Inimica
Scarcely any law can be made which is beneficial to all ; but it is useful
Vix Ulla Fieri Potest if it benefits the greater majority.
Quae Omnibus
Commoda Sit Sed Si
Majori Parti
Prospiciat Utilis Est
Where the sufferer is willing there is no injury done.
Volenti Non Fit
Injuria
The will of the donor manifestly expressed in his deed of gift a to be
Voluntas Donatoris observed.
In Charta Doni Sui
Manifeste Expressa
Observetur
 It is intention which gives effect to the wording of a will.
Voluntas Facit Quod
In Testamento
Scriptum Valeat
In crimes, the will, and not the consequence, is looked to.
Voluntas in Delictis
Non Exitus
Spectatur
The intention is to be taken for the deed.
Voluntas Reputatur
Pro Facto
The will of a testator is ambulatory (revocable) until the moment of
Voluntas Testatoris life.
Est Ambulatoria
Usque Ad Ex'remum
Vatae Exitum
The spoken word flies away ; the written one remains.
Vox Emissa Volet,
Litera Scripta Manet