Maxims
statutum - The best interpreter of a
Dura lex sed lex - The law may be harsh,
but that is the law
Falsa demonstration non nocet, cum de
corpora constat - False description does
not preclude construction nor vitiate the
meaning of the statute.
In eo quod plus sit, simper inest et
minus - The greater includes the lesse
Interest reipublicae ut sit finis litium -
The interest of the State demands that
there be an end to litigation.
Interpotare et concordare legibus est
optimus interpotandi modus -
Legis interpretation legis vim obtinet -
The authoritative interpretation of the
court of a statute acquires the force of
law by becoming a part thereof.
Lex de future, judex de praterito - The
law provides for the future, the judge
for the past
Lex prospicit, non respicit - The law
looks forward, not backward.
Maledicta est exposition quae
corrumpit textum - It is dangerous
construction which is against the text.
Nova constitution futuris formam
imponere debet non praetaritis - A new
statute should affect the future, not the
past.
Nullus crimen sine poena, nulla poena
sine lege - There is no crime without a
penalty, and there is no penalty without
a law.
Nullum tempus occurit regi There can
be no legal right as against the
authority that makes the law on which
the right depends.
Optima statute interpretarix est ipsum
statute is the statute itself.
Optimus interpres rerum usus - The best
interpreter of the law is usage.
Privilegia reciprint largan
interpretationem voluntate consonan
concedentis - Privileges are to be
interpreted in accordance with the will
of him who grants them.
Potior est in tempore, potior est in jure -
He who is first in time is preferred in
right.
Quando aliquid prohibetur ex directo,
prohibetur et per obliquum - What is
prohibited directly is prohibited
indirectly.
Ratihabito mandato aquiparatur -
Legislative ratification is equivalent to
a mandate.
Surplusagium est supreme lex -
Stare decisis et non quieta movere -
Follow past precedents and do not
disturb what has been settled.
Verba accipiena sunt secundum
subjectam materiam - A word is to be
understood in the context in which it is
used.
Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura
subveniunt - The laws aid the vigilant,
not those who slumber on their rights.
Verba legis non est recedendum - From
the words of the statute there should be
no departure.