LEGAL MAXIMS
1. Audi Alteram Partem
Meaning: Hear the other side.
Explanation: A person must be given an opportunity to be heard before any decision is made
against them. It ensures fairness and prevents arbitrary actions.
2. Nemo Judex in Causa Sua
Meaning: No one can be a judge in his own cause.
Explanation: A decision-maker must be impartial and free from bias or personal interest. Justice
must not only be done but appear to be done.
3. Qui Facit Per Alium Facit Per Se
Meaning: He who acts through another acts himself.
Explanation: A principal is responsible for the acts of their agents. The law treats the agent’s
actions as those of the principal.
4. Delegatus Non Potest Delegare
Meaning: A delegate cannot further delegate.
Explanation: A person entrusted with power cannot pass it on to another unless authorised. It
prevents misuse of delegated authority.
BURDEN OF PROOF & EVIDENCE
5. Actori Incumbit Onus Probandi
Meaning: The burden of proof lies on the plaintiff.
Explanation: The person making an allegation must prove it. Courts do not assume facts without
evidence.
6. Semper Necessitas Probandi Incumbit Ei Qui Agit
Meaning: He who claims must prove.
Explanation: Legal claims must be supported by evidence. Without proof, the claim cannot
succeed.
, 7. Res Ipsa Loquitur
Meaning: The thing speaks for itself.
Explanation: In clear situations of negligence, the mere occurrence of the accident is proof of
fault. The burden shifts to the defendant to explain.
8. Falsus in Uno, Falsus in Omnibus
Meaning: False in one thing, false in everything.
Explanation: If a witness lies about one important fact, their entire testimony becomes doubtful.
Courts use this principle with caution.
CRIMINAL LAW MAXIMS
9. Actus Reus
Meaning: Guilty act.
Explanation: A physical act must be proven before criminal liability arises. Wrongful intention
alone is not enough.
10. Mens Rea
Meaning: Guilty mind.
Explanation: A wrongful intention or knowledge must accompany the act. Most offences require
both actus reus and mens rea.
11. Actus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea
Meaning: An act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is guilty.
Explanation: Both a wrongful act and a guilty intention are essential for criminal liability.
12. Ignorantia Facti Excusat
Meaning: Ignorance of fact excuses.
Explanation: A genuine mistake of fact may remove criminal liability. The mistake must be
reasonable and honest.
13. Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat
Meaning: Ignorance of law is no excuse.
1. Audi Alteram Partem
Meaning: Hear the other side.
Explanation: A person must be given an opportunity to be heard before any decision is made
against them. It ensures fairness and prevents arbitrary actions.
2. Nemo Judex in Causa Sua
Meaning: No one can be a judge in his own cause.
Explanation: A decision-maker must be impartial and free from bias or personal interest. Justice
must not only be done but appear to be done.
3. Qui Facit Per Alium Facit Per Se
Meaning: He who acts through another acts himself.
Explanation: A principal is responsible for the acts of their agents. The law treats the agent’s
actions as those of the principal.
4. Delegatus Non Potest Delegare
Meaning: A delegate cannot further delegate.
Explanation: A person entrusted with power cannot pass it on to another unless authorised. It
prevents misuse of delegated authority.
BURDEN OF PROOF & EVIDENCE
5. Actori Incumbit Onus Probandi
Meaning: The burden of proof lies on the plaintiff.
Explanation: The person making an allegation must prove it. Courts do not assume facts without
evidence.
6. Semper Necessitas Probandi Incumbit Ei Qui Agit
Meaning: He who claims must prove.
Explanation: Legal claims must be supported by evidence. Without proof, the claim cannot
succeed.
, 7. Res Ipsa Loquitur
Meaning: The thing speaks for itself.
Explanation: In clear situations of negligence, the mere occurrence of the accident is proof of
fault. The burden shifts to the defendant to explain.
8. Falsus in Uno, Falsus in Omnibus
Meaning: False in one thing, false in everything.
Explanation: If a witness lies about one important fact, their entire testimony becomes doubtful.
Courts use this principle with caution.
CRIMINAL LAW MAXIMS
9. Actus Reus
Meaning: Guilty act.
Explanation: A physical act must be proven before criminal liability arises. Wrongful intention
alone is not enough.
10. Mens Rea
Meaning: Guilty mind.
Explanation: A wrongful intention or knowledge must accompany the act. Most offences require
both actus reus and mens rea.
11. Actus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea
Meaning: An act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is guilty.
Explanation: Both a wrongful act and a guilty intention are essential for criminal liability.
12. Ignorantia Facti Excusat
Meaning: Ignorance of fact excuses.
Explanation: A genuine mistake of fact may remove criminal liability. The mistake must be
reasonable and honest.
13. Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat
Meaning: Ignorance of law is no excuse.
