LEGAL MAXIMS - I

Ab imo pectore

Origination: A quote that is mostly used by Romans. Said to have been first used by Julius Caesar.

Meaning: “from the bottom of my heart”, “with deepest affection”, or “sincerely”

Explanation: This quote is said to have been used by Julius Caesar and means “from the bottom of my heart” or “with deepest affection”. It is regarded as one of the most famous sayings of Caesar.

Usage in a sentence: When describing her love for John, Jan declared that she was speaking ab imo pectore

Ab incunabulis

Origination: “incunabulis” is a term that was commonly used in English in the books that predate the spread of the printing press, circa AD 1500.

Meaning: “from the cradle”, “from infancy”, or “from the beginning”

Explanation: This quote was a common sight in books that were in circulation before the spread of the printing press, and is used to mean “from the beginning”

Usage in a sentence: Ad incunabulis, Jacob showed remarkable talent in the field of music.

Ab initio

Origination: This adverb was adopted in the early 17th century from Latin, and has been used in the legal context ever since.

Meaning: “from the beginning”

Explanation: Ab initio is a legal phrase adopted from Latin and used in legal documents to mean “from the beginning”.

Usage in a sentence: Rachel has been against this idea ab initio.

Absente reo

Origination: The first known use of this Latin phrase was in 1894 to signify the absence of the defendant.

Meaning: “the defendant being absent”

Explanation: This phrase is used to show the absence of the defendant. It was first known to be used in 1894, and was used to mean that the defendant was absent.

Usage in a sentence: The trial had to be proceeded absente reo, as the defendant had fled the country to escape prosecution.

A capite ad calcem

Origination: It originates from classical Latin. The word ‘capite’ means ‘head’ and ‘calcem’ means ‘heel’.

Meaning: “from head to heel”

Explanation: The phrase ‘a capite ad calcem’ is used to describe something that is complete or thorough, from top to bottom.

Usage in a sentence: The teacher conducted a thorough examination of Rahul’s answer sheet, a capite ad calcem, in light of the allegation that he had cheated.

A dato

Origination: Originates from classical Latin and means ‘from date’.

Meaning: “from date”

Explanation: This phrase is used to mean “from date” or “from the given date”. It is used in legal and financial contexts to mean that something starts from a specified date.

Usage in a sentence: The contract specified that the warranty period lasted one year a dato.

Ad extremum

Origination: First known use in the 1600s in the writings of John Sadler, a political theorist and reformer. Used to mean “at last” or “to the extreme”

Meaning: “to the extreme”, “at last”, or “finally”

Explanation: This phrase is used to indicate that something has been used to an extreme degree.

Usage in a sentence: Although she faced numerous challenges, Janet remained dedicated to her research work ad extremum.

Ad finem

Origination: Originated from classical Latin meaning “to the end”

Meaning: “to the end”, “until the end”

Explanation: This phrase is used to mean “until the end”, a rarely used citation meaning to the end of the cited material.

Usage in a sentence: Dhruva pledged to support his people ad finem, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Ad hoc

Origination: From Latin meaning for the specific purpose.

Meaning: “for this specific purpose”, “for this”

Explanation: This Latin phrase is used to denote something that has been created for a specific purpose, without previous planning.

Usage in a sentence: The government formed an ad hoc committee to investigate the issue of corruption.

A die

Origination: Originating from classical Latin meaning “from that day”

Meaning: “from that day”, “from the day”

Explanation: This phrase is used to indicate the starting point of a period of time, to show that something begins from that specific day

Usage in a sentence: The Mayor assured that the new policy will take effect a die, ensuring immediate implementation.

Ad hominem

Origination: A phrase from classical Latin meaning “to the person”

Meaning: “to the person”, “to the man”

Explanation: Originally used to refer to arguments that appealed to the person rather than addressing the actual issue or logic. In modern day usage, it is used to describe a situation where a person attacks the character or motive of their opponent.

Usage in a sentence: Instead of looking at the facts, my lawyer chose to use ad hominem attacks against my opponent, questioning their integrity and background.

Ad litem

Origination: This phrase originated from classical Latin and means “appointed by a court to represent a client or estate in a legal action”

Meaning: “for the lawsuit or action”, “appointed by the court to represent a client or estate in a legal action”

Explanation: This phrase is used to refer to an appointment made by a court to act on behalf of a party.

Usage in a sentence: The Court appointed a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the minor child during the custody proceedings.

Ad litteram

Origination: Originating from classical Latin to mean something that is done by the book.

Meaning: “to the letter”

Explanation: This phrase means something that is done exactly as written or stated, without any deviation or interpretation.

Usage in a sentence: The contract was translated ad litteram, preserving its exact wording and meaning.

La lettre

Origination: Originated from French, to mean something done exactly by the book.

Meaning: “to the letter”

Explanation: A French phrase that means something that is done exactly as it was written or stated without any deviation or interpretation. Same meaning as ad litteram.

Usage in a sentence: The legal order was followed la lettre.

Ad manum

Origination: A phrase originating from classic Latin that was used to refer to something that was readily available.

Meaning: “at hand”, “to hand”, or “ready”

Explanation: This phrase is used to refer to something that is close to the hand, or in other words, readily available.

Usage in a sentence: The tools required for the repair were kept ad manum, to ensure that there were no delays.

Aae la main

Origination: A French phrase that refers to something that is readily available

Meaning: “to the hand”, “ready”

Explanation: This phrase is used to mean something that is available at hand, or done manually.

Usage in a sentence: She sewed the costume aae la main.

Affaire d’amour

Origination: A phrase originating from French referring to a romantic affair.

Meaning: “love affair”

Explanation: This phrase is used to refer to a romantic affair.

Usage in a sentence: The parents were not happy with their son’s affaire d’amour.

Amante

Origination: A phrase originating from French that refers to a lover.

Meaning: “a lover”

Explanation: This phrase is used to refer to a female lover or a person engaged in a romantic relationship.

Usage in a sentence: Jacob met his amante in secret.

Arbitrium

Origination: Originated from a Latin phrase meaning a decision or judgment.

Meaning: “decision”, “judgment”

Explanation: It is a phrase that refers to the act of making a decision based on one’s decision or authority.

Usage in a sentence: The arbitrium made by the Magistrate was thorough and went through all aspects of the judgment.

Audi alteram partem

Origination: A phrase originating from Latin that means to hear the other side.

Meaning: “listen to the other side”, “let thea l other side be heard”

Explanation: This phrase is based on the principle that both sides should be heard in a trial before a judgment is issued.

Usage in a sentence: The principles of audi alteram partem form the basics of natural justice.

Audita querela

Origination: Originates from Latin legal terminology

Meaning: “the suit having been heard”

Explanation: This phrase is used to refer to a legal procedure where a complaint or grievance has been listened to and considered by a court or authority.

Usage in a sentence: The Court granted relief after the audita querela was heard.

Biennium

Origination: A phrase of Latin origin.

Meaning: “a period of two years”

Explanation: This phrase is used to refer to a period of two years.

Usage in a sentence: This university offers a biennium course for a master’s degree.

Billet d’amour

Origination: A phrase of French origin used to refer to a love letter.

Meaning: “love letter”

Explanation: This phrase is used to refer to a written note to express romantic feelings and sentiments.

Usage in a sentence: “Aaron found a billet d’amour hidden between his books.”

Bon avocat, mauvais voisin

Origination: A phrase of French origin.

Meaning: “good lawyer, bad neighbor”

Explanation: A phrase used to point out the truth that someone who excels in their professional career need not be a good person to live with.

Usage in a sentence: He is a bon avocat, mauvais voisin.

Brune

Origination: A word of French origin used to describe dark hair.

Meaning: “brown”, “dark skinned woman”

Explanation: This is an adjective that is used to describe the brown hair of a woman.

Usage in a sentence: Janet was a brune with a lovely face.

Burschenschaft

Origination: A word of German origin.

Meaning: “Youth association”, “student association”

Explanation: A word that is used to denote the student associations that were started in Germany as an expression of nationalism in post-napoleonic Europe.

Usage in a sentence: The burschenschaft regularly organizes cultural events for its members.

Edited and modified by Aadil