Statutory Construction Latin Maxims withDigested Cases Chapter II – CONSTRUCTION AND INTERPRETATION B. POWER TO CONSTRUE 1. Legis interpretation legis vim obtinet. Judicial construction and interpretation of a statute acquires the force of law. Chapter III – AIDS TO CONSTRUCTION C. CONTEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION 2. Contemporanea exposition est optima et fortissimo in lege. Contemporary construction is strongest in law. Optima est legum interpres consuetudo. Custom is the best interpreter of a statute. Regula pro lege, si deficit lex. In default of the law, the maxim rules. 3. Optimus interpres rerum usus. The best interpreter of the law is usage. Communis error facit jus. Common error sometimes passes as current law. Quod ab initio non valet in tractu temporis non convalescit. That which was originally void, does not by lapse of time become valid. 4. Ratihabitio mandato aequiparatur. Legislative ratification is equivalent to a mandate. 5. Stare decisis et non quieta movere. Follow past precedents and do not disturb what has been settled. Interest republicae ut sit finis litium. The interest of the state demands that there be an end to litigation. Chapter IV – ADHERENCE TO, OR DEPARTURE FROM, LANGUAGE OF STATUTE LITERAL INTERPRETATION 6. Index animi sermo est. Speech is the index of intention. Animus hominis est anima scripti. The intention of the party is the soul. Verba legis non est recedendum. From the words of the statute there should be no departure. Maledicta et exposition quae corrumpit textum. It is bad construction which corrupts the text. Littera scripta manet. The written word endures. Clausula rebus sic stantibus. Things thus standing. 7. Absoluta sentential expositore non indigent. When the language of the law is clear, no explanation is required. Dura lex sed lex. The law may be harsh but it is the law. Hoc quidem perquam durum est, sed ita lex scripta est. It is exceedingly hard, but so the law is written. B. DEPARTURE FROM LITERAL INTERPRETATION 8. Aequitas nunquam contravenit legis. Equity never acts in contravention of the law. Aequum et bonum est lex legume. What is good and equal is the law of laws. Jus ars boni et aequi. Law is the art of equity. 9. Ratio legis est anima legis. The reason of the law is the soul of the law. Littera necat spiritus vivificate. The letter kills but the spirit gives life. Verba intentioni, non e contra, debent inservice. Words ought to be more subservient to the intent, and not the intent to the words. Benignus leges interpretandae sunt, quod voluntas eraum conservetur. Laws are to be construed liberally, so that their spirit and reason be preserved. Qui haret in littera haret in cortice. He who considers merely the letter of an instrument goes but skin deep into its meaning. Quando verba statute sunt speciali, ratio autem generalia, statum generaliter est intelligendum. When the words used in a statute are special, but the purpose of the law is general, it should be read as the general expression. 10. Cessante rationi legis, cessat et ipsa lex. When the reason of the law ceases, the law itself ceases. 11. Interpretatio talis in ambiguis simper fienda est ut evitetur inconveniens et absurdum. Where there is ambiguity, the interpretation of such that will avoid inconveniences and absurdity is to be adopted. Legis construction non facit injuriam. The construction of the law will not be such as to work injury or injustice. Argumentum ab inconvenient plurimum valet in lege. An argument drawn from inconvenience is forcible in law. Verba nihil operari melius est quam absurde. It is better that words should have no operation at all than that they should operate absurdly. Lex simper intendit quod convenit rationi. The law always intends that which is in accordance with reason. Ubi eadem ratio ibi idem jus. Like reason doth make like law. Argumentum a simili valet in lege. An argument drawn from a similar case, or analogy, prevails in law. De similibus idem est judicium. Concerning similars, the judgment is the same. Ubi eadem est ratio, ibi est eadem legis disposition. Where there is the same reason, there is the same law 12. Ea est accipienda interpretation quae vitio caret. That interpretation is to be adopted which is free from evil or injustice. Lex injusta non est lex. An unjust law is not a law. Nobody is above the law. Fiat justitia. Falsa demostratio non nocet. Certum est quod certum reddi potest. False description does not preclude construction nor vitiate the meaning of the statute. It is certainly not agreeable to natural justice that a stranger should reap the pecuniary produce of another man’s work. No power must be above the law. Jurae naturae aequum est neminem cum alterius detrimento et injuria fieri locupletiorem. Surplusagium non nocet. That is sufficiently certain which can be made certain. Nemo est supra legis. The useful is not vitiated by the non-useful. 14. Nulla potential supra legis esse debet. Error in name does not make an instrument inoperative when the description is sufficiently clear. ruat coelum . cum de corpore constat. 15. . Surplusage does not vitiate a statute. 16. though the heavens fall. Nil facit error nominis cum de corpora vel persona constat. Utile per inutile non vitiatur. Let right be done.13. 17. inest haec exception. summa est militia. si non aliquid sit contras jus basque. Where anything is granted generally. The law obliges no one to perform an impossibility. The law does not require an impossibility. Ex necessitate legis. 18. . Lex non intendit aliquid impossible. exemption from rigid application of law is implied. The rigor of the law would be the highest injustice. By the necessary implication of law. 19. Jus summum saepe. The law does not intend the impossible. summa injuria. Ibi quid generaliter conceditur. Extreme law is often extreme wrong. Summum jus. that nothing shall be contrary to law and right. C. There is no obligation to do an impossible thing. Nemo tenetur ad impossibilia. Impossibilum nulla obigatio est. IMPLICATIONS 20. Lex non cogit ad impossibilia. 23.In eo quod plus sit. An action does not arise from fraud. ibi remedium. prohibetur et per obliquum. Ubi jus incertum. Ubi jus. No one may derive advantage from his own unlawful act. 22. When jurisdiction is given. Quando aliquid prohibetur ex directo. all powers and means essential to its exercise are also given. ibi jus nullum. be done directly cannot be done indirectly. Chapter V – INTERPRETATION OF WORDS AND PHRASES . there is a remedy for violation thereof. the position of the defending party is the better one. simper inest et minus. Ex dolo malo non oritur action. What cannot. Cui jurisdiction data est. Where there is a right. In pari delicto potior est condition defendentis. by law. there is no right. Nullius commodum capere potest de injuria sua propria. The greater includes the lesser. ea quoque concessa esse videntur sine quibus jurisdiction explicari non potuit. 21. Where the law is uncertain. Where the parties are equally at fault. the rule is dissimilar. Equivocal words or those with double meaning are to be understood according to their common and ordinary sense. si per communem usum loquendi in intellectu certo sumuntur. ASSOCIATED WORDS 28. Of things dissimilar. Words of art should be explained from their usage in the art to which they belong. . Verba artis ex arte. talis intellectus preferendus est. 25. Noscitur a sociis. Verba generalia restringuntur ad habilitatem rei vel personam. 26. General words should be understood in their general sense. General words should be confined according to the subject-matter or persons to which they relate. 27. B. Generis dictum generaliter est interpretandum.A. 29. Verba accipienda sunt secundum subjectam materiam. A thing is known by its associates. A general statement is understood in its general sense. the courts should not distinguish. Verba mere aequivoca. Ubi lex non distinguit necnon distinguere debemus. Dissimilum dissimilis est ratio. Where the law does not distinguish. Generalia verba sunt generaliter intelligenda. Ejesdem generis. IN GENERAL 24. A word is to be understood in the context in which it is used. 34. object or thing omitted from an enumeration must be held to have been omitted intentionally. EXCEPTIONS AND SAVING CLAUSES 35. A thing not being expected must be regarded as coming within the purview of the general rule. or let each be put in its proper place. thing or consequence implies the exclusion of all others. Exceptio firmat regulam in casibus non exceptis. 31. C. 30. Chapter VI – STATUTE CONSIDERED AS A WHOLE IN RELATION TO OTHER STATUTES . Expressum facit cessare tacitum. PROVISOS. The express mention of one person. Cassus omissus pro omisso habendus est. Negative-Opposite Doctrine: what is expressed puts an end to that which is implied. Referring each to each. 33. Argumentum a contrario. What is expressed puts an end to that which is implied.Of the same kind or species. A person. 32. Expressio unius est exclusion alterius. A qualifying word or phrase should be understood as referring to the nearest antecedent. Ad proximum antecedens fiat relatio nisi impediatur sentential. Reddendo singular singulis. or referring each phrase or expression to its appropriate object. Optima statute interpretatrix est ipsum statutum. The sense and meaning of the law is collected by viewing all the parts together as one whole and not of one part only by itself. 37. A passage will be best interpreted by reference to that which precedes and follows it. The exposition of a statute should be made from all its parts put together.A. Nemo enim aliquam partem recte intelligere possit antequam totum interum atque interim perlegit. nisi tota lege inspecta. A law should be interpreted with a view of upholding rather than destroying it. de una aliqua ejus particula proposita indicare vel respondere. Ex tota materia emergat resolution. Injustum est. Ex antecendentibus et consequentibus fit optima interpretation. Verba posterima propter certitudinem addita ad priora quae certitudine indigent sunt referenda. Interpretatio fienda est ut res magis valeat quam pereat. . Reference should be made to a subsequent section in order to explain a previous clause of which the meaning is doubtful. The best interpreter of the statute is the statute itself. STATUTE CONSTRUED AS A WHOLE 36. It is unjust to decide or to respond as to any particular part of a law without examining the whole of the law. Every statute myst be so construed and harmonized with other statutes as to form a uniform system of law. Salus populi est suprema lex. Statuta pro publico commodo late interpretantur. 39. IN GENERAL 40. Privatum incommodum publico bono pensatur. Statutes enacted for the publc good are to be construed liberally. Chapter VII – STRICT OR LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION A. Distinguish times and you will harmonize law. Interpretare et concordare leges legibus est optimus interpretandi modus.B. Distingue tempora et concordabis jura.Times have changed and laws have changed with them.Tempora mutantur et leges mutantur in illis. The voice of the people is the supreme law. Pari materia. With the necessary changes. . . Of the same matter. Mutatis mutandis. STATUTE CONSTRUED IN RELATION TO CONSTITUTION AND OTHER STATUTES 38. . Chapter VIII – MANDATORY AND DIRECTIONAL STATUTES A. STATUTES STRICTLY CONSTRUED 41. Nullum tempus occurit regi. Renunciatio non praesumitur. Renunciation cannot be presumed. Strictissimi juris. Actus me invito facturs non est meus actus. Privileges are to be interpreted in accordance with the will of him who grants them. Privilegia recipiunt largam interpretationem voluntate consonem concedentis. The act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is also guilty. Follow the law strictly. 43. 44. . The law aids the vigilant.The private interests of the individual must give way to the accommodation of the public. MANDATORY STATUTES 45. B. An act done by me against my will is not my act. not those who slumber on their rights. There can be no legal right as against the authority that makes the law on which the right depends. Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. 42. Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea. . IN GENERAL 46. Lex prospicit. Chapter IX – PROSPECTIVE AND RETROACTIVE STATUTES A.Nova constitutio futuris formam imponere debet non praeteritis.A new statute should affect the future. judex de praeterito. The law looks forward. STATUTES GIVEN PROSPECTIVE EFFECT 47. non ad facta praeterita revocari. nulla poena sine lege. et magna cum cautione sunt adhibendae neque enim janus locatur in legibus. not retrospective. B. unless they are expressly made applicable to past transactions and to such as are still pending. Leges et constitutiones futuris certum est dare formam negotiis. the judge for the past. not the past. . Lex de futuro. He who is first in time is preferred in right. Laws which are retrospective are rarely and cautiously received. Laws should be construed as prospective. Leges quae retrospciunt.Potior est in tempore. The law provides for the future. for Janus has really no place in the laws. potior est in jure. non respicit. nisi nominatim et de praeterito tempore et adhuc pendentibus negotiis cautum sit. not backward. . Nullum crimen sine poena. In obscuris inspici solere quod versimilius est. Generalia specialibus non derogant. Leges posteriores priores contrarias abrogant. 48. Chapter X – AMENDMENT. Ignorance of the law excuses no one. Later statutes repeal prior ones which are repugnant thereto. it is customary to take what appears to be more likely or what usually often happens. . BINDING FORCE OF RULES OF INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION A.There is no crime without a penalty. CODIFICATION AND REPEAL A. Penal laws which are favorable to the accused are given retroactive effect. When matters are obscure. A general law does not nullify a specific or special law. odiosa restringenda. aut quod plerumque fieri solet. REPEAL 49. 50. LANGUAGE OF STATUTE WHEN AMBIGUOUS B. Favorabilia sunt amplianda. there is no penalty without a law. REVISION. Ignorantia legis neminem excusat. Jus constitui oportet in his quae ut plurimum accidunt non quae ex inordinato.Ambiguitas verborum patens nulla verificatione excluditur. Quod semel aut bis existit praetereunt legislatores. Ad ea quae frequentibus accidunt jura adaptatur. The law does not concern itself with trifling matters. TITLE OF THE ACT (INTRINSIC AID) D. Legislators pass over what happens only once or twice. PRESUMPTION AGAINST INJUSTICE AND HARDSHIP C. A patent ambiguity cannot be cleared up by extrinsic evidence. Laws ought to be made with a view to those cases which happen most frequently. Nigrum Nunquam Excedere Debet Rubrum. De minimis non curat lex. and not to those which are of rare or accidental occurrence. Laws are understood to be adapted to those cases which most frequently occur. The black (body of the act printed in black) should never go beyond the red (title or rubric of the statute printed in red) . A vinculo matrimonii .From bed and board. .com A A mensa et thoro .From outside. Ab extra .LATIN MAXIMS (A to Z) LATIN MAXIMS Have a healthy dose of your Latin Legal Maxims From In Rebus.From the bond of matrimony. but follows its principal. Absoluta sententia expositore non indiget .Ab initio .An absolute judgment needs no expositor.The act of the law does no one wrong. Acta exteriora iudicant interiora secreta .An accessory does not draw. Accessorius sequitur .Abundant caution does no harm.The burden of proof lies on the plaintiff. Actio personalis moritur cum persona . Actio non datur non damnificato .The action has not accrued within six years.One who is an accessory to the crime cannot be guilty of a more serious crime than the principal offender. Actiones legis .The act does not make one guilty unless there be a criminal intent. Accessorium non ducit sed sequitur suum principale .From the beginning.A personal action dies with the person.An action is not given to one who is not injured. Abundans cautela non nocet . Actori incumbit onus probandi .Outward acts indicate the inward intent. Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea . Actio non accrevit infra sex annos . .Law suits. Actus nemini facit injuriam . the jury do not answer to a question of Law.For this purpose. Aequitas legem sequitur . Aequitas nunquam contravenit legem .At another place. Ad hoc .For a perpetual memorial of the matter.Equity follows the law.Forever. Ad quaestionem facti non respondent judices. Aliunde . ad quaestionem legis non respondent juratores . Ad perpetuam rei memoriam .The judges do not answer to a question of fact. Aedificare in tuo proprio solo non licet quod alteri noceat . Ad infinitum . from a different source .A guilty deed or act.Equity never contradicts the law. or.Alienation is preferred by law rather than accumulation. Alienatio rei praefertur juri accrescendi .Actus reus .The laws are adapted to those cases which occur more frequently. to infinity. Alibi . without limit.It is not lawful to build on one's own land what may be injurious to another. Ad ea quae frequentius acciduunt jura adaptantur . elsewhere.From elsewhere. The year of mourning.Before. Ambiguitas verborum patens nulla verificatione excluditur .With an intention of stealing. ut currere solebat .One alleging his own infamy is not to be heard. Allegans suam turpitudinem non est audiendus . Ambiguitas contra stipulatorem est .A patent ambiguity is never helped by averment.An ambiguity is most strongly construed against the party using it.With an intention of making a will.One making contradictory statements is not to be heard. Arbitrium est judicium . Aqua currit et debet currere.Water runs and ought to run. Ante . Animo testandi .An allegation contrary to a deed is not to be heard. Allegatio contra factum non est admittenda . Annus luctus .The laws of England are favorable in every case to liberty. .A friend of the Court.Allegans contraria non est audiendus . Angliae jura in omni casu libertati dant favorem . Amicus curiae . Animo furandi .An award is a judgment. The meeting of minds. wood when it cannot grow. Assentio mentium . i. mutual assent.The King's Court. Audi alteram partem .An assignee is clothed with rights of his assignor.An argument drawn from authority is the strongest in law. lignum cum crescere nescit .An argument directed a the person. Argumentum ab auctoritate fortissimum est in lege .An argument based upon ignorance (i. B Benignior sententia in verbis generalibus seu dubiis est preferenda . of one's adversary).e.Hear the other side.A tree while it grows. Argumentum ab impossibilii plurimum valet in lege .Arbor dum crescit.The more favorable construction is to be placed on general or doubtful words.e. Assignatus utitur jure auctoris .The laws permit the taking up of arms against the armed. Aula regis . Argumentum ad hominem . Argumentum ad ignoratiam .An argument from impossibility is very strong in law. . Arma in armatos sumere jura sinunt . A judicial writing does not fail through defect of form.e. Boni judicis lites dirimere est .Let the writ be quashed.It is the part of a good judge to enlarge his jurisdiction. remedial authority.The matter admits of no further argument. C Cadit quaestio .It is the duty of a good judge to prevent litigation. Bona fide .It is the duty of a good judge to cause execution to issue on a judgment without delay.Goods without an owner Boni judicis est ampliare jurisdictionem . .He gives (pays) twice who pays promptly.Bis dat qui cito dat .A fortuitous event is not to be foreseen and no person is bound to divine it. in good faith Bona vacantia . et nemo tenetur divinare . Cassetur billa (breve) . Breve judiciale non cadit pro defectu formae . i. Boni judicis est judicium sine dilatione mandare executioni . Casus fortuitus non est spectandus. Bonus judex secundum aequum et bonum judicat et aequitatem stricto juri praefert .A good judge decides according to justice and right and prefers equity to strict law.Sincere. Unanimously or. Contra .To the contrary. Causa proxima.I have taken the body and the prisoner is sick.Agreement as to the same things.A contemporaneous exposition is best and most powerful in law.Let the purchaser beware.The custom of the place is to be observed. Contra bonos mores . and not the remote cause is to be considered.Other things being equal. by general consent. Cepi corpus et est languidum . Cepi corpus et paratum habeo . Consuetudo loci observanda est .The immediate.I have taken the body and have it ready.Chattels are considered in law among the minor things. non remota spectatur . Ceteris paribus . Consensus ad idem . Contemporanea expositio est optima et fortissima in lege .Against good morals.Let the seller beware.Catalla reputantur inter minima in lege . Caveat emptor . . Caveat venditor . Consensu . Coram non judice . punishment ought also to increase. Conventio et modus vincunt legem . Corpus . the gist of crime. .The crime carries the person. Cujus est dare.Vice increasing.Before one who is not a judge. Crimen trahit personam . ejus est disponere .Body. Coram Domino Rege . Corpus humanum non recipit aestimationem .Crime vitiates every thing.No prescription runs against a person not able to act.The body.An agreement of private persons cannot derogate from public right.e. Crescente malitia crescere debet et poena .A contract and agreement overcome the law. Crimen omnia ex se nata vitiat .A contract is an act as it were against an act. Contractus est quasi actus contra actum .In the presence of our Lord the King. i. Corpus delicti .He who has a right to give has the right to dispose of the gift.A human body is not susceptible of appraisement. Conventio privatorum non potest publico juri derogare .Contra non valentem agere nulla currit praescriptio . which springs from it. De jure .damage without legal injury. . Cursus curiae est lex curiae . De die in diem . by right. De bonis asportatis . Custos morum . Cum duo inter se pugnantia reperiuntur in testamentis ultimum ratum est .When two things repugnant to each other are found in a will. De futuro .From day to day.Of goods carried away.He who owns the soil owns it up to the sky.As regards the whole.Rightful. De bonis non administratis . De integro .Cujus est solum.The practice of the court is the law of the court.A guardian of morals.In the future. et ad inferos . De facto . ejus est usque ad coelam. the last is to be confirmed.In fact. and to its depth. D Damnum sine injuria .Of goods not administered. non homo .Incapable of crime.The law does not notice trifling matters.Discretion is to discern through law what is just. De novo .Starting afresh. Doli incapax . Debitum in praesenti.De minimis lex non curat . Deus solus haeredem facere potest. Discretio est discernere per legem quid sit justum .Sunday is not a day in law.Debt and contract are of no particular place. Debitum et contractus sunt nullius loci . Delegata potestas non potest delegari . solvendum in futuro . .God alone. the work fails. can make an heir.A debtor is not presumed to make a gift. Debitor non praesumitur donare .The power which is derived cannot be greater than that from which it is derived. not man. Dies Dominicus non est juridicus .Debts follow the person of the debtor.Where there is a weak foundation. Debile fundamentum fallit opus . Derivativa potestas non potest esse major primitiva .A delegated authority cannot be again delegated.A present debt is to be discharged in the future. Debita sequuntur personam debitoria . An error not resisted is approved. ideo parcatur . qui non resistitur approbatur . Doti lex favet. Dubitante .The burden of the proof lies upon him who affirms. Dona clandestina sunt semper suspiciosa . it is the reward of chastity.Two cannot possess one thing each in entirety. Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit. nunquam moriuntur . therefore let it be preserved. E Ei incumbit probatio qui . Error. Et cetera .The onus of proving a fact rests upon the man. . Dormiunt leges aliquando.Clandestine gifts are always suspicious. but never die. Duo non possunt in solido unam rem possidere .The law favors dower.Every man s house is his safest refuge.Doubting the correctness of the decision.The laws sometimes sleep. praemium pudoris est.Dominium .Ownership. Domus sua cuique est tutissimum refugium . non qui negat . not he who denies.Other things of that type. Ex gratia .The best interpretation is made from things preceding and following. Ex nudo pacto actio non oritur . Ex concessis .In view of what has already been accepted/ Ex dolo malo actio non oritur .With official authority.Proceeding brought by one person in the absence of another.Out of kindness. Ex post facto . Ex nihilo nil fit . Ex praecedentibus et consequentibus optima fit interpretatio .An exception proves the rule. Executio est executio juris secundum judicium . Exceptio probat regulam . voluntary.On the fact of it. .From nothing nothing comes.No action arises on an immoral contract.Ex cathedra . Ex turpi causa non oritur actio .No action arises on a contract without a consideration.A right of action cannot arise out of fraud.Execution is the fulfillment of the law in accordance with the judgment.By reason of a subsequent act. Ex facie . Ex parte . fictio juris non est.Execution of the law does no injury. Felonia implicatur in qualibet proditione .Fiction yields to truth. Executio legis non habet injuriam .Felony is implied in every treason. fiction of law does not exist.Happy is he who has been able to understand the causes of things. Extra legem positus est civiliter mortuus . Felix qui potuit rerum cognoscere causas . Festinatio justitiae est noverca infortunii . Falsa demonstratio non nocet . Fictio cedit veritati.One out of the pale of the law (i. Factum . ubi veritas .Executio est finis et fructus legis .He who flees judgment confesses his guilt. F Faciendum . Facultas probationum non est angustanda .Something which is to be done.e.An act or deed. Where truth is.The hurrying of justice is the stepmother of misfortune. . Fatetur facinus qui judicium fugit .A false description does not vitiate.An execution is the end and the fruit of the law.The right of offering proof is not to be narrowed. an outlaw) is civilly dead. Firmior et potentior est operatio legis quam dispositio hominis . Furor contrahi matrimonium non sinit.Fraud is odious and is not to be presumed. Fractionem diei non recipit lex .) . Forma legalis forma essentialis est .The law does not regard a fraction of a day. fa.Legal form is essential form.It is a fraud to conceal a fraud.Fides servanda est . Fieri facias (abreviated fi. Fortior est custodia legis quam hominis .That you cause to be made. .Good faith is to be preserved.That is proved in vain which when proved is not relevant.Filiation cannot be proved.The custody of the law is stronger than that of man.Insanity prevents marriage from being contracted because consent is needed. Fraus est celare fraudem .Fraud and justice never dwell together. Filiatio non potest probari . Frustra probatur quod probatum non relevat . Fructus naturales . Fraus et jus nunquam cohabitant . Fraus est odiosa et non praesumenda . quia consensus opus est .Vegetation which grows naturally without cultivation.The operation of law is firmer and more powerful than the will of man. Generalia praecedunt. Generalis regula generaliter est intelligenda .That you have the body.We have the best witness. son. specialia sequuntur .A general rule is to be generally understood.Things general precede.G Generale nihil certum implicat . .A general expression implies nothing certain. H Habeas corpus . Generalia specialibus non derogant . Gravius est divinam quam temporalem laedere majestatem . one of nature. Haeres legitimus est quem nuptiae demonstrant . filius est nomen naturae . things special follow. Habemus optimum testem confitentem reum .Heir is a collective name.It is more serious to hurt divine than temporal majesty.Things general do not derogate from things special.Heir is a term of law.He is the lawful heir whom the marriage indicates. a confessing defendant. Haeredem est nomen collectum . Haeres est nomen juris. person of the civil law.That which is common is said to be ours. the condition of the possessor is better. Imperium in imperio . Idem . Impotentia excusat legem . ignorance of law does not excuse.e) .Ignorance of fact excuses. ignorantia juris non excusat . .When the parties have equal rights. but a principal only.In high treason no one can be an accessory.Impossibility is an excuse in the law.A sovereignty within a sovereignty.Impunity always leads to greater crimes. sed principalis solum modo . In aequali jure melior est conditio possidentis .The same person or thing. persona juris civilis . Id quod commune est.Man is a term of nature. In alta proditione nullus potest esse acessorius. nostrum esse dicitur .Homo vocabulum est naturae. I Id est (i. Impunitas semper ad deteriora invitat .It is the same to say nothing as not to say enough.That is. Ignorantia facti excusat. Idem nihil dicere et insufficienter dicere est . In England there is no interregnum. the King himself in his own person dispenses justice.In criminal cases the proofs ought to be cleared than the light.In a case of extreme necessity everything is common.In law not the remote but the proximate cause is looked at. In curia domini regis. In futoro . In fictione legis aequitas existit .At the outset. In jure non remota causa sed proxima spectatur .In the King s Court. In camera . In limine . In delicto .At full length.In the future.At fault. In casu extremae necessitatis omnia sunt communia . ipse in propria persona jura discernit .In private.In existence. .In the forum of conscience. In foro conscientiae .A legal fiction is consistent with equity.In Anglia non est interregnum . on the threshold. In esse . In criminalibus probationes debent esse luce clariores . In extenso . In pari delicto potior est conditio possidentis . In re dubia magis inficiatio quam affirmatio intelligenda . In personam . In pleno .Against the person.When the parties are equally in the wrong the condition of the possessor is better.In place of the parent. In republica maxime conservanda sunt jura belli . .In a State the laws of war are to be especially observed.In loco parentis .In whatever thing one offends in that he is to be punished according to law.In full. In omnibus .In a dead hand.In every respect.In everything is born that which destroys the thing itself.In a doubtful matter the negative is to be understood rather than the affirmative.In a new case a new remedy is to be applied. In novo casu novum remedium apponendum est . In situ .In its place. In quo quis delinquit in eo de jure est puniendus . In mortua manu . In omni re nascitur res quae ipsam rem exterminat . Interest reipublicae ut quilibet re sua bene utatur . Interest reipublicase ut sit finis litium .As a warning or deterrent. not what is said but what is done is to be considered. inspicitur . signs. sed quod gestum est. . Inter alia . not the laws to the intention. In verbis.In terrorem .In words. Interest reipublicae res judicatas non rescindi .In wills we seek diligently the intention of the testator. but the thing and the meaning are to be inquired into. In traditionibus scriptorum non quod dictum est.A wrong does not excuse a wrong.It is in the interest of the State that men s last wills be sustained.Amongst other things. Injuria non excusat injuriam .It is in the interest of the State that things adjudged be not rescinded. non verba sed res et ratio quaerenda est . Intentio inservire debet legibus. not words. Indicia .Intention ought to be subservient to the laws.It is in the interest of the State that every one use properly his own property. In testamentis plenius testatoris intentionem scrutamur . non leges intentioni .It is in the interest of the State that there be an end to litigation.Marks.In the delivery of writings (deeds). Interest reipublicae suprema hominum testamenta rata haberi . Such a construction is to be made that the thing may have effect rather than it should fail.To interpret and harmonize laws is the best method of interpretation.A judge cannon punish a wrong .Repeated interruption does not defeat a prescription once obtained.A judge is the law speaking. Ira furor brevis est . in the meanwhile. Iter arma leges silent .Anger is brief insanity.In war the laws are silent. Judex non potest injuriam sibi datam punire . Judex non potest esse testis in propira causa .Temporary. Interpretare et concordare leges legibus est optimus interpretandi modus .Interim . J Judex est lex loquens . Invito beneficium non datur .The very words of a speaker. Ipso facto . Interpretatio fienda est ut res magis valeat quam pereat .A benefit is not conferred upon one against his consent. Ipsissima verba . Interruptio multiplex non tollit praescriptionem semel obtentam .By that very fact.A judge cannot be witness in his own cause. Judex non reddit plus quam quod petens ipse requirit .Judges are not bound to explain the reason of their judgment. et est actus divini cultus .It is the duty of a judge to decide according to the allegations and the proofs.A right that is recognised in law.Public rights are to be preferred to private rights. Jus accrescendi praefertur oneribus .Faith must be given to later decisions.The right of survivorship is preferred to incumbrances.To swear is to call God to witness and is an act of divine worship. Jura publica anteferenda privatis juribus . Jura naturae sunt immutabilia . it ought to have its proper effect. Juramentum est indivisibile et non est admittendum in parte verum et in parte falsum . Judicis est judicare secundum allegata et probata .done to himself. Juduces non tenentur exprimere causam sententiae suae .A judge does not give more than the plaintiff himself demands. suum effectum habere debet .An oath is indivisible and it is not to be held partly true and partly false.A judgment ought not to be illusory. Jurare est Deum in testem vocare. .The laws of nature are immutable. Judicium non debet esse illusorium. Jus . Judiciis posterioribus fides est adhibenda . Justice is two-fold. L Leges posteriores priores contrarias abrogant .Justice is to be denied to no one.When laws imposed . Jusjurandum inter alios factum nec nocere nec prodesse debet . Jus naturale . Jus scriptum aut non scriptum . Justitia nemini neganda est . severely punishing and in reality prohibiting (offences).Jus ad rem. Jus est norma recti.An oath made between third parties ought neither to hurt nor profit. a right in a thing.Natural justice.The law is a rule of right. severe puniens et vere praeveniens . Jus dicere. non jus dare . et quicquid est contra normam recti est injuria .To declare the law.A right to a thing. jus in re .Natural right is that which has the same force among all men.The throne is established by justice. Justitia est duplec. not to make the law. and whatever is contrary to a rule of right is an injury.Subsequent laws repeal prior conflicting ones. Legibus sumptis desinentibus legibus naturae utendum est . Justitia firmatur solium . Jus naturale est quod apud omnes homines eandem habet potentiam .The written law or the unwritten law. .The law will give a remedy. Lex est sanctio sancta jubens honesta et prohibens contraria .The law compels no one to do vain or impossible things.The law presumes that one neighbor knows the acts of another. Lex necessitatis est lex temporis i.The law of necessity is the law of time.The law is a sacred sanction. that is time present. Lex nil frustra facit .The law would rather tolerate a private injury than a public evil. Lex citius tolerare vult privatum damnum quam publicum malum .The law is the safest guide for judges.The law cannot fail in dispensing justice.e. Lex neminem cogit ad vana seu impossiblia . Lex dilationes abhorret . Lex non deficere potest in justitia exhibenda . we must use the laws of nature. Lex non a rege est violanda . instantis .The law sometimes follows equity. Lex aliquando sequitur aequitatem .The law abhors delays. Lex dabit remedium . Lex indendit vicinum vicini facta scire .by the State fail.The law does nothing in vain. commanding what is right and prohibiting the contrary. Lex est judicum tutissimus ductor .The law must not be violated even by the King. only the truth. incongrua .The law punishes falsehood. under the shield of the law no one is deceived. Lex non requirit verificari quod apparet curiae .The law speaks to all through one mouth.The law does not arise from a mere injury. Lex rejicit superflua. Lex prospicit not respicit . Lex non oritur ex injuria . Lex plus laudatur quando ratione probatur . contradictory and incongruous things. solam veritatem .The law regards the order of nature.The law does not favor the wishes of the dainty.The law rejects superfluous. Lex succurrit ignoranti . Lex uno ore omnes alloquitur . Lex tutissima cassis.The law looks forwared.The law succors the ignorant. Lex spectat naturae ordinem .The law is the more praised when it is supported by reason. Lex non favet delicatorum votis . pugnatia.The law does not require that to be proved which is apparent to the Court.The law does not know neither father nor mother. Lex punit mendaciam .Lex non novit patrem. nec matrem.Law is the safest helmet. . sub clypeo legis nemo decipitur . not backward. Mala grammatica non vitiat chartam . Mala in se .Crimes prohibited. Mala prohibita . Malo animo .Bad grammar does not vitiate a deed.The greater contains the less.In bad faith. .Long possession produces the right of possession and takes away from the true owner his action. Longa possessio parit jus possidendi et tollit actionem vero domino .Malice supplies age.Bad in themselves. Malitia supplet aesatem . magistra rerum experientia .Use is the master of things. Majus est delictum se ipsum occidere quam alium .It is a greater crime to kill one s self than another.With evil intent. M Magister rerum usus.Long possession is the law of peace. Mala fide . Mandamus . experience is the mistress of things.Longa possessio est pacis jus . Major continet in se minus .We command. Mens rea .He threatens the innocent who spares the guilty. Merito beneficium legis amittit. Muilta exercitatione facilius quam regulis percipies . qui legem ipsam subvertere intendit .To lie is to act against the mind.You will perceive many things more easily by experience than by rules.A minor can make his position better.Guilty state of mind. ubi jus est vagum aut incertum .Better is the condition of the possessor where neither of the two has the right. Melior est conditio possidentis. Meliorem conditionem suam facere potest minor deteriorem nequaquam .The people are the greatest master of error. ubi neuter jus habet . never worse.In wills the intention of a testator is to be regarded.Maximus magister erroris populus est .Death is called the extreme penalty. Mors dicitur ultimum supplicium . N . Melior testatoris in testamentis spectanda est . Misera est servitus.He justly loses the benefit of the law who seeks to infringe the law.It is a miserable slavery where the law is vague or uncertain. Mentiri est contra mentem ire . Minatur innocentibus qui parcit nocentibus . Necessitas inducit privilegium quoad jura privata .The force of nature is the greatest.Public necessity is greater than private necessity. Necessitas publica est major quam privata . Nemo cogitur suam rem vendere. Nemo bis punitur pro eodem delicto .No one can be twice punished for the same offence. Nemo plus juris transferre ad alium potest quam ipse habet .No one is bound to sell his own property.No one is allowed to incapacitate himself.Nam nemo haeres viventis .No one can be judge in his own case. even for a just price. Negligentia semper habet infortuniam comitem . Necessitas non habet legem .No one can transfer to another a larger right than he himself has.With respect to private rights necessity induces privilege. Nemo admittendus est inhabilitare se ipsum . Nemo contra factum suum venire potest . Nemo debet esse judex in propria causa .Negligence always has misfortune for a companion. Naturae vis maxima est . etiam justo pretio .Necessity has no law. .For no one is an heir of a living person.No man can contradict his own deed. through a jury.No one can verify by the country. Nexus . Nemo punitur pro alieno delicto . Nemo tenetur accusare se ipsum nisi coram Deo .No one is presumed to be forgetful of his eternal welfare. quod per se non potest . Nemo praesumitur esse immemor suae aeternae salutis et maxime in articulo mortis .No one can do through another what he cannot do himself. Nemo potest facere per alium. that is.No one is punished for the crime of another.No one can change his purpose to the injury of another.No one can at the same time be a tenant and a landlord (of the same tenement). Nemo potest mutare consilium suum in alterius injuriam . against the record. nisi coram Deo . Nemo potest esse tenens et dominus . and particularly in the hour of death. Nemo tenetur armare adversarium contra se .No one is bound to arm his adversary against himself. Nemo prohibetur pluribus defensionibus uti .Nemo potest contra recordum verificare per patriam .No one is forbidden to make use of several defences. Nemo se accusare debet.Connection .No one is bound to accuse himself except in the presence of God.No one should accuse himself except in the presence of God. Non definitur in jure quid sit conatus .You shall not do evil that good may come of it.Unless Non compus mentis . Non est factum .What an attempt is. Nisi . sed seisina. Nil facit error nominis cum de corpore constat .Nihil quod est inconveniens est licitum . Non est arctius vinculum inter homines quam jusjurandum .Nothing inconvenient is lawful.Not right.It is not certain Non decipitur qui scit se decipi . but seisin makes a stock (from which the inheritance must descend). facit stipitem .Not of sound mind and understanding Non constat . Non facias malum ut inde veniat bonum . Non refert quid notum sit judici si notum non sit in forma judicii .It matters not . is not defined in law.There is no stronger link among men than an oath.An error of name makes not difference when it appears from the body of the instrument.It is not his deed Non est informatus .He is not informed.He is not deceived who knows that he is deceived. Non jus. Optima legum interpres est consuetudo . Omnia delicta in aperto leviora sunt .No one should depart from a Court of Chancery without a remedy. Non sequitur . P . Optimus interpres rerum est usus . Omnis innovatio plus novitate perturbat quam utilitate prodeat .An inconsistent statement.Every innovation disturbs more by its novelty than it benefits by its utility.The best interpreter of laws is custom. O Omne sacramentum debet esse de certa scientia . it does not follow Nullus commodum capere potest ex sua injuria propria .No one can derive an advantage from his own wrong. Nullus recedat e curia cancellaria sine remedio .what is known to the judge if it is not known judicially.Every oath ought to be of certain knowledge.All things are presumed against a wrongdoer.All crimes (committed) in the open are (considered) lighter.The best interpreter of things is usage. Omnia praesumuntur contra spoliatorem . Par delictum . Per minas .The offspring follows the mother. Prima impressionis . Per curiam .In the opinion of the court. Prima facie .By reason of which.The father is he whom the marriage points out. Pater est quem nuptiae demonstrant . Pendente lite nihil innovetur .Equal fault.By means of menaces or threats.Pacta privata juri publico non derogare possunt . Pari passu . Post mortem . Per quod . .On first impression.On the face of it.During litigation nothing should be changed.Wrongs against nature are the most serious.Private contracts cannot derogate from public law.After death. Peccata contra naturam sunt gravissima . Partus sequitur ventrem .On an equal footing. In proportion. Qui facit per alium. Pro rata .For this occasion.He who stices to the letter.He who is in the womb is considered as already born as far as his benefit is considered. Quantum . habet necessitatem retinendi .Of public right. Qui non habet. Qui non habet potestatem alienandi.Pro hac vice .How much.He who acts through another acts himself. sticks to the bark. quoties de ejus commodo quaeritur . haeret in cortice . pro jam nato habetur. Qui haeret in litera. Pro tempore . Qui in utero est. Pro tanto . facit per se .He who has not.The question is raised.So far. to that extent. Q Quaeitur . an amount. . Publici juris .For the time being. does not give.He who has not the power of alienating is under the necessity of retaining. ille non dat . What is not valid in the beginning does not become valid by time. Qui potest et debet vetare et non vetat jubet . commands.He who is able and ought to forbit and does not. is considered as committing the thing.Qui non improbat. Quidcquid plantatur solo. solo cedit . approves. belongs to the soil. in tractu temporis non convalescit . Qui tacet consentire videtur . luat sobrius .Whatever is planted in or affixed to the soil.He who does not prevent what he is able to prevent.He who does not disapprove. something for something. Qui non prohibet quod prohibere potest assentire videtur . Quod ab initio non valet. Qui sentit commodum. Quid pro quo .He who does wrong when drunk must be punished when sober. Qui peccat ebrius. Qui non obstat quod obstare potest facere videtur . approbat .He who is silent appears to consent.He who is prior in time is stronger in right.Consideration. debet et sentire onus .He who derives a benefit ought also to bear a burden. is in fault. Qui prior est tempore potior est jure . Quod constat curiae opere testium non indiget .He who does not prohibit when he is able to prohibit.What appears to the Court needs . Re . Quod per me non possum. Quoties in verbis nulla est ambiguitas. nec per alium .What is first is more true.In the matter of.Reason is the soul of the law. non est . id non deest .What has no beginning has no end. when the reason of the law changes the law also is changed. ibi nulla expositio contra verba expressa fienda est . R Ratio est legis anima.What I cannot do through myself.When there is no ambiguity in words. Quod necessarie intelligitur. lex non requirit . and what is prior in time is stronger in law. et quod prius est tempore potius est jure .What is necessarily understood is not wanting. is not. then no exposition contrary to the expressed words is to be made. defendit . Quod necessitas cogit. Quod non apparet.not the help of witnesses. Quod prius est verius est.What necessity forces it justifies. Quod non habet principium non habet finem .The law does not require what is vain and useless. Quod vanum et inutile est. I cannot do through another. mutata legis ratione mutatur et lex . .What does not appear. The King never dies. circumstance.Things done.The King cannot do what is unjust. affair.The King is greater than individuals. Rex non debet judicare sed secundum legem .Let the principal answer. Rex non potest peccare . Rex quod injustum est facere non potest .The King ought not to judge but according to the law. Res .Matter. Rex est major singulis. Res gestae . Res judicata accipitur pro veritate .Nobody s property.Things done between strangers ought not to affect a third person. minor universis .A thing adjudged is accepted for the truth.Money refused releases the debtor. S . Res inter alios acta alteri nocere non debet . thing.The King can do no wrong. Res nulis . Respondeat superior .Reprobata pecunia leberat solventem . who is a stranger to the transaction. Res integra . less than all the people.A matter untouched (by decision). Rex nunquma moritur . Scire facias . .Knowingly. Scribere est agere .That you cause to know.In self defence. Sic utere tuo ut alienum non laedas . Sciens . Servitia personalia sequuntur personam .Everything is presumed in favor of the legitimacy of children.Knowingly.An interlocutory order can be revoked.Salus populi est suprema lex . Sententia interlocutoria revocari potest. definitiva non potest .It is always presumed in favor of marriage. Simplex commendatio non obligat . a final order cannot be. Semper praesumitur pro legitimatione puerorum . it is otherwise. Se defendendo .The legal position is different. Semper pro matriomonio praesumitur . Scienter .So use your own as not to injure another s property.The safety of the people is the supreme law.A simple recommendation does not bind.Personal services follow the person. Secus .To write is to act. To stand by decisions (precedents). Sublato fundamento.e.A suppression of truth is equivalent to an expression of falsehood.The suppression of the truth.The highest reason is that which makes for religion. Stet . Suggestio falsi . Subsequens matrimonium tollit peccatum praecedens .Unique. Sui generis .Within limits.The cause being removed. Sub nomine .In silence. the structure falls. .Stare decisis . the effect ceases. religion dictates.The suggestion of something which is untrue. cadit opus .A subsequent marriage removes the preceding wrong. tollitur effectus . Sublata causa. Sub silentio . let it stand. Summa ratio est quae pro religione facit .Do not delete. i. Suppressio veri .Under the name of. Suppressio veri expressio falsi .The foundation being removed. Sub modo . Testaments ought to have the broadest interpretation.When there is the same reason. ibi nulla dos es . Ubi jus ibi remedium est . then the law is the same. Ultima voluntas testatoris est perimplenda secundum veram intentionem suam The last will of a testator is to be fulfilled according to his true intentio.The land passes with its burden. . et de similibus idem est judicium . there is no dower. Terra firma . Traditio loqui chartam facit . Ubi non est principalis.Solid ground.Delivery makes a deed speak. Ubi nullum matrimonium.Where there is no principal. non potest esse accessorius . and the same judgment should be rendered as to similar things. there can be no accessory.T Talis qualis .Where there is no marriage. Testamenta latissimam interpretationem habere debent . U Ubi eadem ratio ibi idem jus. Transit terra cum onere .Where there is a right there is a remedy.Such as it is. the fear of it should affect all.That punishment may come to a few.Words ought to serve the intention. exactly. Via antiqua via est tuta . Vi et armis . not the reverse. Verba debent intelligi cum effectu . Verba intentioni. non e contra.See. perveniat . .The words of deeds are accepted more strongly against the person offering them. Utile per inutile non vitiatur .Ut poena ad paucos.A husband and wife are regarded in law as one person.The laws serve the vigilant. metus ad omnes. not those who sleep. Verbatim . V Verba chartarum fortius accipiuntur contra preferentem . Vigilantibus non dormientibus jura subveniunt .Word by word. Vir et uxor consentur in lege una persona . debent inservire . Vide .What is useful is not vitiated by the useless.With the force and arms.The other way around.The old way is the safe way. Vice versa .Words ought to be understood with effect. Agricultural Credit & Cooperative Administration. A.An injury is not done to one consenting to it. 2.Willing. September 29.1966.In offences the intent and not the result is looked at. 18 SCRA 190. 47800. Salus populi est suprema lex. L-19808..Visitationem commendamus . G. Legis interpretatio legis vim obtinet. Voluntas reputatur pro facto . D. Volens . ET AL.The will is taken for the deed. . Volenti non fit injuria .We recommend a visitation.Cariño v. The welfare of the people is the supreme law. Judicial construction and interpretation of a statute acquires the force of law.MAXIMO CALALANG v. . 1940. 3. No. Voluntas in delictis non exitus spectatur .R. 1. WILLIAMS. Renuntiatio non praesumitur A waiver of rights is not presumed. December 2. . No. et.THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES v. INC.. 206 SCRA 701 (1992) 6. INC. DAGAN. Follow past precedents and do not disturb what has been settled. PHILIPPINE RACING COMMISSION.R. February 12. L-30061 February 27. and PHILIPPINE RACING CLUB. From the words of the statute there should be no departure. BANCO FILIPINO SAVINGS and MORTGAGE BANK G.R. TY v. NANCY L. No. Verba legis non est recedendum. al. G. MANILA JOCKEY CLUB. G. JOSE JABINAL Y CARMEN. 2012 5. National Labor Relations Commission. 2009 No. Stare decisis et non quieta movere. 175220 .. Potestas delegate non delegare potest what has been delegated cannot be delegated WILLIAM C. 188302 June 27. v. Globe-Mackay Cable and Radio Corporation v. 1974 4.R.
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