Core Latin Maxims Used in Indian Courts

1. Audi Alteram Partem

Hear the other side
No one should be condemned without being heard.
Used in Natural Justice (disciplinary actions, administrative orders).

2. Nemo Judex in Causa Sua

No one should be a judge in his own cause
Prevents bias in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings.

3. Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium

Where there is a right, there is a remedy
Basis of civil remedies under Indian law.

4. Actus Non Facit Reum Nisi Mens Sit Rea

The act does not make a person guilty unless there is a guilty mind
Foundation of criminal liability (IPC/BNS).

5. Ignorantia Juris Non Excusat

Ignorance of law is no excuse
Widely applied in criminal cases.

6. Res Ipsa Loquitur

The thing speaks for itself
Applied in negligence cases (motor accident claims).

7. Res Judicata

A matter already judged
Section 11 CPC – bars re-litigation.

8. Stare Decisis

To stand by decided cases
Principle of precedent under Article 141 (Supreme Court binding).

9. Bona Fide

In good faith
Frequently used in civil, criminal & administrative law.

10. Malafide

In bad faith / with dishonest intention
Used to challenge arbitrary government action.

Criminal Law–Specific Maxims

11. Volenti Non Fit Injuria

One who consents cannot complain
Used in consent-related offences.

12. Falsus in Uno, Falsus in Omnibus

False in one thing, false in everything
Not strictly followed in India (courts may separate truth from falsehood).

13. Nullum Crimen Sine Lege

No crime without law
Protection against retrospective criminal liability.

14. actus curiae neminem gravabit

An act of the court shall prejudice no one
Applied where delay or mistake is of the court.

Procedural & Evidence Law

15. De Minimis Non Curat Lex

Law does not concern itself with trifles
Minor technical violations ignored.

16. Lex Fori

Law of the forum
Procedural law depends on court jurisdiction.

17. Ex Parte

Proceeding in absence of the other party
Common in CPC & CrPC/Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

18. In Camera

In private
Matrimonial, sexual offence trials.

Constitutional Law Maxims

19. Salus Populi Suprema Lex

Welfare of the people is the supreme law
Used in public interest litigation (PIL).

20. Sub Silentio

Decided without discussion
Such judgments are not strong precedents.

Frequently Asked in Judiciary Exams & Practice

✔ Res Judicata
✔ Audi Alteram Partem
✔ Mens Rea
✔ Stare Decisis
✔ Ubi Jus Ibi Remedium