Latin Maxims

1. Clausula rebus sic stantibus 16.
Optima est legum interpres consuetudo

Things thus standing. Custom is the best interpreter of a statute. 32. Falsa demostratio non nocet, cum de corpore constat
False description does not preclude construction nor vitiate the meaning of
2. Absoluta sentential expositore non indigent 17. Regula pro lege, si deficit lex the statute.
When the language of the law is clear, no explanation is required. In default of the law, the maxim rules.
33. Cessante rationi legis, cessat et ipsa lex
3. Dura lex sed lex 18. Optimus interpres rerum usus When the reason of the law ceases, the law itself ceases.
The law may be harsh but it is the law. The best interpreter of the law is usage.
34. Interpretatio talis in ambiguis simper fienda est ut evitatur inconveniens et
4. Hoc quidem perquam durum est, sed ita lex scripta est 19. Communis error facit jus absurdum
It is exceedingly hard, but so the law is written. Common error sometimes passes as current law. Where there is ambiguity, the interpretation of such that will avoid
inconveniences and absurdity is to be adopted.
5. Aequitas nunquam contravenit legis 20. Quod ab initio non valet in tractu temporis non convalescit
Equity never acts in contravention of the law. That which was originally void, does not by lapse of time become valid. 35. Legis construction non facit injuriam
The construction of the law will not be such as to work injury or injustice.
6. Aequum et bonum est lex legume 21. Ratihabitio mandato aequiparatur
What is good and equal is the law of laws. Legislative ratification is equivalent to a mandate. 36. Argumentum ab inconvenient plurimum valet in lege
An argument drawn from inconvenience is forcible in law.
7. Jus ars boni et aequi 22. Interest republicae ut sit finis litium
Law is the art of equity. The interest of the state demands that there be an end to litigation. 37. Verba nihil operari melius est quam absurd
It is better that words should have no operation at all than that they should
8. Ratio legis est anima legis 23. Index animi sermo est operate absurdly.
The reason of the law is the soul of the law. Speech is the index of the mind or speech is the index of intention.
38. Lex simper intendit quod convenit rationi
9. Littera necat spiritus vivificate 24. Animus hominis est anima scripti The law always intends that which is in accordance with reason.
The letter kills but the spirit gives life. The intention of the party is the soul of the instrument
39. Ubi eadem ratio ibi idem jus
10. Verba intentioni, non e contra, debent inservice 25. Verba legis non est recedendum Like reason doth make like law.
Words ought to be more subservient to the intent, and not the intent to the From the words of the statute there should be no departure.
words. 40. Argumentum a simili valet in lege
26. Maledicta et exposition quae corrumpit textum An argument drawn from a similar case, or analogy, prevails in law.
11. Benignus leges interpretandae sunt, quod voluntas eraum conservetur It is bad construction which corrupts the text.
Laws are to be construed liberally, so that their spirit and reason be 41. De similibus idem est judicium
preserved. 27. Littera scripta manet Concerning similars, the judgment is the same.
The written word endures.
12. Qui haret in littera haret in cortice 42. Ubi eadem est ratio, ibi est eadem legis disposition
He who considers merely the letter of an instrument goes but skin deep into 28. Nulla potential supra legis esse debet Where there is the same reason, there is the same law.
its meaning. No power must be above the law.
43. Ea est accipienda interpretation quae vitio caret
13. Quando verba statute sunt speciali, ratio autem generalia, statum 29. Jurae naturae aequum est neminem cum alterius detrimento et injuria fleri That interpretation is to be adopted which is free from evil or injustice.
generaliter est intelligendum locupletiorem
When the words used in a statute are special, but the purpose of the law is It is certainly not agreeable to natural justice that a stranger should reap the 44. Lex injusta non est lex
general, it should be read as the general expression. pecuniary produce of another man’s work. An unjust law is not a law.
14. Legis interpretation legis vim obtinet 30. Surplusagium non nocet 45. Fiat justitia, ruat coelum
Judicial construction and interpretation of a statute acquires the force of law. Surplusage does not vitiate a statute. Let right be done, though the heavens fall.
15. Contemporanea exposition est optima et fortissimo in lege 31. Utile per inutile non vitiatur 46. Nemo est supra legis
Contemporary construction is strongest in law. The useful is not vitiated by the non-useful. Nobody is above the law.

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1. Clausula rebus sic stantibus 16.

Optima est legum interpres consuetudo

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