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

Understanding legalese is hard, and what makes the task even harder is the presence of several legal codes. Open a law textbook and you’ll find gibberish phrases that either make you feel stupid or make you wonder if the author or publisher made a typographical error. Interestingly, this is not the case.

Several phrases in law textbooks that are difficult to understand in English are actually quite logical phrases that law enthusiasts call “legal maxims”. These are principles established in legal systems around the world that have withstood the test of time and have been around since ancient times. These statements actually talk about the basic concepts, rules, and principles that guide decision-making and reasoning in the legal field.

Today, we bring you a list of interesting legal maxims that you will most likely find in many law books. These legal maxims are very important in the legal world. Lists like these will not only help you improve your knowledge, but they can even allow you to show off a bit. Who doesn’t like to be judged in an intellectual group for some fancy remarks?

If it does not constitute a crime, it shall be subject to criminal punishment according to law.

This is a popular phrase in the legal world. This legal maxim means “an act without criminal intent does not make anyone guilty.”

As you might have guessed, legal doctrine focuses on the importance of intent in determining criminal responsibility. It supports the view that a person cannot be convicted of a crime if there is no evidence that the offender had criminal intent.

Caveat emptor

This phrase is short and concise, but it plays an important role in the legal world. This legal maxim means “caveat emptor.”

According to this principle, it is the buyer’s responsibility to do due diligence before purchasing any goods. The legal guidelines emphasize that the buyer has the responsibility to investigate whether the guide is at fault before purchasing the goods.

Ignorance of the law is inexcusable

This is an interesting quote. Moreover, it is very important and has been popular since ancient times. The literal meaning of this legal maxim is that ignorance of the law is no excuse.

According to this principle, no one can escape responsibility for violating the law simply because he is unaware of it. Hence, it talks about the responsibility of individuals to be aware of the legal requirements.

Voluntary unhealthy injury

This is a tricky question. Yet no lover of the law will deny its importance. The legal maxim means “To one who wills, no harm is done.”

This legal principle means that a person cannot seek compensation for an injury to which they voluntarily consented. This legal principle usually applies when an individual or group intentionally engages in dangerous activities.

Facts speak louder than words

This is also one of the most commonly used legal doctrines. This legal principle is often applied in negligence cases. This legal doctrine actually shifts the entire burden of proof to the defendant and requires the defendant to prove that his or her actions were not negligent in nature.

Nemo Jewish Court for our sakes

Our list ends with this interesting legal maxim. This maxim states that no one should act as a judge in his/her own case. This ensures that there is no impartiality in the judicial process. This legal maxim states that a judge should never hear a case in which he/she has his/her own interest.

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