Self-Evident Truth #9: A person who enjoys the benefit ought also to bear the burden; and the contrary.

by Joseph Ray Powers | Dec 18, 2023 | Legal Maxims

The phrase “ui sentit commodum sentire debet et onus; et e contra” is a Latin legal maxim, which translates to “A person who enjoys the benefit ought also to bear the burden; and the contrary.” This principle is fundamental in legal and ethical...

Self-Evident Truth #8: It is better to seek the sources than to follow tributaries

by Joseph Ray Powers | Dec 17, 2023 | Legal Maxims

tributary: paying tribute to another to acknowledge submission, to obtain protection, or to purchase peace: The Latin phrase “Satius est petere fontes quam sectari rivulos” translates to “It is better to seek the sources than to follow...

Self-Evident Truth #7: A deception practiced on one person does not give a cause of action to another.

by Joseph Ray Powers | Dec 16, 2023 | Legal Maxims

“Alterius circumventio alii non praebet actionem” is a Latin legal maxim which translates to “A deception practiced on one person does not give a cause of action to another.” This principle is pertinent in the context of legal claims,...

Self-Evident Truth #6: The intention of the person is the soul of the instrument.

by Joseph Ray Powers | Dec 16, 2023 | Legal Maxims

“Animus hominis est anima scripti” is a Latin legal maxim which translates to “The intention of the person is the soul of the instrument.” This principle has significant relevance in the interpretation of legal documents, such as contracts,...

Self-Evident Truth #5: A latent ambiguity in wording is resolved by evidence; for whatever ambiguity arises from an extrinsic fact is resolved by extrinsic evidence.

by Joseph Ray Powers | Dec 16, 2023 | Legal Maxims

“Ambiguitas verborum latens verificatione suppletur; nam quod ex facto oritur ambiguum verificatione facti tollitur” is a legal maxim which translates to “A latent ambiguity in wording is resolved by evidence; for whatever ambiguity arises from an...

Self-Evident Truth #4: A dubious expression is construed against the party using it.

by Joseph Ray Powers | Dec 16, 2023 | Legal Maxims

“Ambiguitas contra stipulatorem est” is a Latin legal maxim that translates to “A dubious expression is construed against the party using it.” This principle is particularly relevant in contract law and has significant implications for how...