Maxime ita dicta quia maxima ejus dignitas et certissima auctoritas, atque quod maxim omnibus probetur. A maxim is so called because its dignity is chiefest, and its authority most certain, and because universally approved by all. Co. Litt. 11.

Maxims of Law from John Bouvier, 1856

1. An established principle or proposition. A principle of law universally admitted, as being just and consonant With reason.

2. Maxims in law are somewhat like axioms in geometry. 1 Bl. Com. 68. They are principles and authorities, and part of the general customs or common law of the land; and are of the same strength as acts of parliament, when the judges have determined what is a maxim; which belongs to the judges and not the jury. Terms do Ley; Doct. & Stud. Dial. 1, c. 8. Maxims of the law are holden for law, and all other cases that may be applied to them shall be taken for granted. 1 Inst. 11. 67; 4 Rep. See 1 Com. c. 68; Plowd. 27, b.

3. The application of the maxim to the case before the court, is generally the only difficulty. The true method of making the application is to ascertain how the maxim arose, and to consider whether the case to which it is applied is of the same character, or whether it is an exception to an apparently general rule.

4. The alterations of any of the maxims of the common law are dangerous. 2 Inst. 210.

Maxims of law are fundamental principles or established rules that serve as the foundation of legal reasoning and interpretation.

Key Points About Legal Maxims:

Definition and Purpose:

        Concise statements of legal principles, derived from tradition, custom, and long-standing legal practice, serving as guiding principles for the learned of the law.

        Characteristics of Maxims of law, expressed in Latin, considered self-evident truths in law and not held as absolute rules, but general guidelines per consciousness, not strictly to the letter but spirit of the law.

        Maxims of law, function as an aid in legal interpretation of law, providing consistency in legal reasoning and summarize complex legal concepts.

Notable Legal Maxims:

"Ignorantia juris non excusat" (Ignorance of the law is no excuse)

"Audi alteram partem" (Hear the other side)

"Le contrat fait la loi" (The contract makes the law)

Contractus legem ex conventione accipiunt" (The agreement of the parties makes the law of the contract)

"Quod constat clare, non debet verificari" (What is clearly apparent need not be proved)

"Multi multa, non omnia novit" (Many men know many things, no one knows everything)

Maxims of law, are still cited in legal arguments and judgments, which provide historical context for legal principles, Maxims of law, help in understanding the spirit and intent of law. Maxims, play a significant role in legal reasoning in application, offering concise expressions of fundamental legal principles.

Legal principles are fundamental rules or doctrines that form the foundation, precepts and interpretation of law of a legal system.

        Maxims to keep in mind when dealing with law but more specifically to the instance before you today in the form of NOTICE you are now in possession of, an Affidavit, a Presentment, By: Bowers, Lane Lee, Beneficiary, Defender. MAXIMs confirm favor of Defender against the Offenders in this instance explicitly identified in the NOTICE.

MAXIMS Categorized:

Contract, Public Office Holders, Oath'S of Office and Principal’s Responsibility, The Ignorant of What is Right and What is Law and MAXIMs concerning Lane’s INTENT and NECESSITY of COUNTERCLAIM:

Scire debes cum quo contrahis. You ought to know with whom you deal.

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MAXIMs concerning Contracts, Specifically to this NOTICE :

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Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat. The burden of the proof lies upon him who affirms, not he who denies. Dig. 22, 3, 2; Tait on Ev. 1; 1 Phil. Ev. 194; 1 Greenl. Ev. 74; 3 Louis. R. 83; 2 Dan. Pr. 408; 4 Bouv Inst. n. 4411. Dig. 16, 3, 1, 6.

Conventio vincit legem. The agreement of the parties overcomes or prevails against the law. Story, Ag. See Dig. 16, 3, 1, 6.

Ex facto jus oritur. Law arises out of FACT; that is, its application must be to FACTs.

Expressum facit cessare tacitum. What is expressed renders what is implied silent.

Facta sunt potentiora verbis. FACTs are more powerful than words.

Facultas probationum non est angustanda. The faculty or right of offering proof is not to be narrowed. 4 Co. Inst. 279.

Justitia non est neganda, non differenda. Justice is not to be denied nor delayed. Jenk. Cent. 93.

Cum adsunt testimonia rerum quid opus est verbis. When the proofs of FACT are present, what need is there of words. 2 Buls. 53.

Equity looks upon that as done, which ought to be done. 4 Bouv. Inst. n. 3729; 1 Fonbl. Eq. b. 1, ch. 6, s. 9, note; 3 Wheat. 563.

Error juris nocet. Error of law is injurious. See 4 Bouv. Inst. n. 3828.

Forstellarius est pauperum depressor, et totius communitatis et patriae publicus inimicus. A forestaller is an oppressor of the poor, and a public enemy to the whole community and the country. 3 Co. Inst. 196.

Id quod nostrum est, sine facto nostro ad alium transferi non potest. What belongs to us cannot be transferred to another without our consent. Dig. 50, 17, 11. But this must be understood with this qualification, that the government may take property for public use, paying the owner its value. The title to property may also be acquired, with the consent of the owner, by a judgment of a competent tribunal.

Id possumus quod de jure possumus. We may do what is allowed by law. Lane, 116.

Judicia sunt tanquam juris dicta, et pro veritate accipiuntur. Judgments are, as it were, the dicta or sayings of the law, and are received as truth. 2 Co. Inst. 573.

Judicium non debet esse illusorium, suum effectum habere debet. A judgment ought not to be illusory, it ought to have its consequence. 2 Inst. 341.

Judicium semper pro veritate accipitur. A judgment is always taken for truth. 2 Co. Inst. 380.

Legatos violare contra jus gentium est. It is contrary to the law of nations to violate the rights of ambassadors.

Legibus sumptis disinentibus, lege naturae utendum est. When laws imposed by the state fail, we must act by the law of nature. 2 Roll. R. 298.

Lex non requirit verificare quod apparet curiae. The law does not require that to be proved, which is apparent to the court. 9 Co. 54.

Maleficia non debent remanere impunita, et impunitas continuum affectum tribuit delinquenti. Evil deeds ought not to remain unpunished, for impunity affords continual excitement to the delinquent. 4 Co. 45.

Malum hominun est obviandum. The malice of men is to be avoided. 4 Co. 15.

Nihil possumus contra veritatem. We can do nothing against truth. Doct. & Stu. Dial. 2, c. 6.

Nihil quod est contra rationem est licitum. Nothing against reason is lawful. Co. Litt. 97.

Non Licet quod dispendio licet. That which is permitted only at a loss, is not permitted to be done. Co. Litt. 127.

Non quod dictum est, sed quod factum est, inspicitur. Not what is said, but what is done, is to be regarded. Co. Litt. 36.

Non solum quid licet, sed quidest conveniens considerandum, quia nihil quod inconveniens est licitum. Not only what is permitted, but what is proper, is to be considered, because what is improper is illegal. Co. Litt. 66.

Novum judicium non dat novum jus, sed declarat antiquum. A new judgment does not make a new law, but declares the old. 10 Co. 42.

Paci sunt maxime contraria, vis et injuria. Force and wrong are greatly contrary to peace. Co. Litt. 161.

Pacta privata juri publico derogare non possunt. Private contracts cannot derogate from the public law. 7 Co. 23.

Derogation is the partial repeal or abrogation of a law by a later act that limits its scope or impairs its utility and force. It is sometimes used to mean abrogation, as in the legal maxim "lex posterior derogat priori" A subsequent law derogates the previous one.

Pacto aliquod licitum est, quid sine pacto non admittitur. By a contract something is permitted, which, without it, could not be admitted. Co. Litt. 166.

Parum est latam esse sententiam, nisi mandetur executioni. It is not enough that sentence should be given unless it is put in execution. Co. Litt. 289.

Peccata contra naturam sunt gravissima. Offences against nature are the heaviest. 3 Co. Inst. 20.

Peccatum peccato addit qui culpae quam facit patrocinium defensionis adjungit. He adds one offence to another, who, when he commits a crime, joins to it the protection of a defence. 5 Co. 49.

Perspicua vera non sunt probanda. Plain truths need not be proved. Co. Litt. 16.

Pirata est hostis humani generis. A pirate is an enemy of the human race. 3 Co. Inst. 113.

Plus peccat auctor quam actor. The instigator of a crime is worse than he who perpetrates it. 5 Co. 99.

Volunti non fit injuria. He who consents cannot receive an injury. 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 2279, 2327; 4 T. R. 657; Shelf. on mar. & Div. 449.

Paen ad paucos, metus ad omnes perveniat. A punishment inflicted on a few, causes a dread to all. 22 Vin. Ab. 550.

Paen ad paucos, metus ad omnes. Punishment to few, dread or fear to all.

Potentia non est nisi ad bonum. Power is not conferred, but for the public good.

Potentia debet sequi justiciam, non antecedere. Power ought to follow, not to precede justice. 3 Buls. 199.

Praestat cautela quam medela. Prevention is better than cure. Co. Litt. 304.

Principia probant, non probantur. Principles prove, they are not proved. 3 Co. 40. See Principles.

Principiorum non est ratio. There is no reasoning of principles. 2 Buls. 239. See Principles.

Principium est potissima pars cujusque rei. The principle of a thing is its most powerful part. 10 Co. 49.

Prior tempore, potior jure. He who is before in time, is preferred in right.

Protectio trahit subjectionem, subjectio projectionem. Protection draws to it subjection, subjection, protection. Co. Litt. 65.

Proviso est providere praesentia et futura, non praeterita. A proviso is to provide for the present and the future, not the past. 2 Co. 72.

Quae communi legi derogant stricte interpretantur. Laws which derogate from the common law ought to be strictly construed. Jenk. Cent. 231.

Quae contra rationem juris introducta sunt, non debent trahi in consequentiam. Things introduced contrary to the reason of the law, ought not to be drawn into precedents. 12 Co. 75.

Quae dubitationis caus tollendae inseruntur communem legem non laedunt. Whatever is inserted for the purpose of removing doubt, does not hurt or affect the common law. Co. Litt. 205.

Quae inter alios acta sunt nemini nocere debent, sed prodesse possunt. Transactions between strangers may benefit, but cannot injure, persons who are parties to them. 6 Co. 1.

Quod est inconveniens, aut contra rationem non permissum est in lege. What is inconvenient or contrary to reason, is not allowed in law. Co. Litt. 178.

Quod non legitur, non creditor. What is not read, is not believed. 4 Co. 304.

Quod per recordum probatum, non debet esse negatum. What is proved by the record, ought not to be denied.

Tacita quaedam habentur pro expressis. Things silent are sometimes considered as expressed. 8 Co. 40.

Ubi culpa est ibi paena subesse debet. Where there is culpability, there punishment ought to be.

Ubi jus incertum, ibi jus nullum. Where the law is uncertain, there is no law.

ubi quis delinquit ibi punietur. Let a man be punished when he commits the offence. 6 Co. 47.

Ubicunque est injuria, ibi damnum sequitur. Wherever there is a wrong, there damages follow. 10 Co. 116.

Ut paena ad paucos, metus ad omnes perveniat. That by the punishment of a few, the fear of it may affect all. 4 Inst. 63.

Vreba aliquid operari debent, verba cum effectu sunt accipienda. Words are to be taken so as to have effect. Bacon's Max. Reg. 3, p. 47. See 1 Duer. on ins. 210, 211, 216.

Vani timores sunt aestimandi, qui non cadunt in constantem virum. Vain are those fears which affect not a valiant man. 7 Co. 27.

Verba generalia generaliter sunt intelligenda. General words are to be generally understood. 3 Co. Inst. 76.

Quae malasunt inchoata in principio vex bono peragantur exitu. Things bad in the commencement seldom end well. 4 Co. 2. 

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TO: Public Office Holders, Oath's of Office and Principals Responsibility, Specifically to this NOTICE :

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Non est arctius vinculum inter homines quam jusjurandum. There is no stronger link among men than an oath. Jenk. Cent. 126.

Juramentum est indivisibile, et non est admittendum in parte verum et in parte falsam. An oath is indivisible, it cannot be in part true and in part false.

Officium nemini debet esse damnosum. An office ought to be injurious to no one.

Omne sacramentum debet esse de certa scienti. Every oath ought to be founded on certain knowledge. 4 Co. Inst. 279.

Judicium semper pro veritate accipitur. A judgment is always taken for truth. 2 Co. Inst. 380.

Qui facit per alium facit per se. He who acts by or through another, acts for himself. 1 Bl. Com. 429; Story, Ag. 440; 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 1273, 1335, 1336; 7 Man. & Gr. 32, 33.

In maleficio ratihabitio mandato comparatur. He who ratifies a bad action is considered as having ordered it. Dig. 50, 17, 152, 2.

Qui molitur insidias in patriam, id facit quod insanusnauta perforans navem in qua vehitur. He who betrays his country, is like the insane sailor who bores a hole in the ship which carries him. 3 Co. Inst. 36.

Qui non obstat quod obstare potest facere videtur. He who does not prevent what he can, seems to commit the thing. 2 Co. Inst. 146.

Qui non prohibit quod prohibere potest assentire videtur. He who does not forbid what he can forbid, seems to assent. 2 Inst. 305.

Qui non propulsat injuriam quando potest, infert. He who does not repel a wrong when he can, induces it. Jenk. Cent. 271.

Qui per alium facit per seipsum facere videtur. He who does anything through another, is considered as doing it himself. Co. Litt. 258.

Qui potest et debet vetare, jubet. He who can and ought to forbid, and does not, commands.

Omnia praesumuntur legitime facta donec probetur in contrarium. All things are presumed to be done legitimately, until the contrary is proved. Co. Litt. 232.

Omnis interpretatio si fieri potest ita fienda est in instrumentis, ut omnes contrarietates amoveantur. The interpretation of instruments is to be made, if they will admit of it, so that all contradictions may be removed. Jenk. Cent. 96.

Oportet quod certa res deducatur in judicium. A thing, to be brought to judgment, must be certain or definite. Jenk. Cent. 84.

Qui primum peccat ille facit rixam. He who first offends, causes the strife.

Qui tacet consentire videtur. He who is silent appears to consent. Jenk. Cent. 32.

Quicpuid acquiritur servo, acquiritur domino. Whatever is acquired by the servant, is acquired for the master. 15 Bin. Ab. 327.

Qnicquid est contra normam recti est injuria. Whatever is against the rule of right, is a wrong. 3 Buls. 313.

Reputatio est vulgaris opinio ubi non est veritas. Reputation is a vulgar opinion where there is no truth. 4 Co. 107. But see, Character.

Res judicata pro veritate accipitur. A thing adjudged must be taken for truth. Co. Litt. 103; Dig. 50, 17, 207. See Res judicata.

Res judicata facit ex albo nigrum, ex nigro album, ex curvo rectum, ex recto curvum. A thing adjudged makes what was white, black; what was black, white; what was crooked straight; what was straight, crooked. 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 840.

Respondeat superior. Let the principal answer. 4 Co. Inst. 114; 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 1337; 4 Bouv. Inst. n. 3586.

Rights never die.

Reus laesae majestatis punitur, ut pereat unus ne pereant omnes. A traitor is punished, that by the death of one, all may not perish. 4 Co. 124.

Quando do una et eadem re, duo onerabiles existunt, unus, pro insufficientia alterius, de integro onerabitur. When two persons are liable on a joint obligation, if one makes default the other must bear the whole. 2 Co. Inst. 277.

Receditur a placitis juris, potius quam injuriae et delicta maneant impunita. Positive rules of law will be receded from, rather than crimes and wrongs should remain unpunished. Bacon's Max. Reg. 12. This applies only to such maxims as are called placita juris; these will be dispensed with rather than crimes should go unpunished, quia salus populi suprema lex, because the public safety is the supreme law.

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TO: The Ignorant of What is Right and What is Law, Specifically to this NOTICE :

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Idem est scire aut scire debet aut potuisse. To be able to know is the same as to know. This maxim is applied to the duty of every one to know the law.

Ignorantia excusatur, non juris sed facti ~&~ Ignorantia legis neminem excusat. Ignorance of FACT may excuse, but not ignorance of law. 4 Bouv. Inst. n. 3828. See Ignorance.

Ignorantia facti excusat, ignorantia juris non excusat. Ignorance of FACTs excuses, ignorance of law does not excuse. 1 Co. 177; 4 Bouv. Inst. n 3828. See Ignorance.

Imperitia culpae annumeratur. Ignorance, or want of skill, is considered a negligence, for which one who professes skill is responsible. Dig. 50, 17, 132; 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 1004.

Impunitas continuum affectum tribuit delinquenti. Impunity offers a continual bait to a delinquent. 4 Co. 45.

Scientia sciolorum est mixta ignorantia. The knowledge of smatterers is mixed ignorance. 8 Co. 159.

Scientia utrimque per pares contrahentes facit. Equal knowledge on both sides makes the contracting parties equal.

Scire leges, non hoc est verba eorum tenere, sed vim et potestatem. To know the laws, is not to observe their mere words, but their force and power. Dig. 1, 3, 17.

Spes impunitatis continuum affectum tribuit delinquendi. The hope of impunity holds out a continual temptation to crime. 3 Co. Inst. 236.

Stabit praesumptio donec probetur in contrarium. A presumption will stand good until the contrary is proved. Hob. 297.

When the common law and statute law concur, the common law is to be preferred. 4 Co. 71.

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MAXIMs Concerning Lane’s INTENT and NECESSITY of COUNTERCLAIM, Specifically to this NOTICE :

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Sequi debet potentia justitiam, non praecedere. Power should follow justice, not precede it. 2 Co. Inst. 454.

Vana est illa potentia quae numquam venit in actum. Vain is that power which is never brought into action. 2 Co. 51.

Quod est necessarium est licitum. What is necessary is lawful.

Quod meum est sine me auferri non potest. What is mine cannot be taken away without my consent. Jenk. Cent. 251. Sed vide Eminent Domain.

Ubi jus, ibi remedium. Where there is a right, there is a remedy. 1 T. R. 512; Co. Litt. 197, b; 3 Bouv. Inst. n. 2411; 4 Bouv. Inst. n. 3726.

Scribere est agere. To write is to act. 2 Roll. R. 89.

Vigilantibus et non dormientibus serviunt leges. The laws serve the vigilant, not those who sleep upon their rights. 2 Bouv. Inst. n. 2327. See Laches.

Semper necessitas probandi incumbit qui agit. The claimant is always bound to prove: the burden of proof lies on him.

Error qui non resistitur, approbatur. An error not resisted is approved. Doct. & Stud. c. 70.

Errores ad sua principia referre, est refellere. To refer errors to their origin is to refute them. 3 Co. Inst. 15.

Illud quod alias licitum non est necessitas facit licitum, et necessitas inducit privilegium quod jure privatur. That which is not otherwise permitted, necessity allows, and necessity makes a privilege which supersedes the law. 10 Co. 61.

Necessitas non habet legem. Necessity has no law. Plowd. 18. See Necessity, and 15 Vin. Ab. 534; 22 Vin. Ab. 540.

Melius est omnia mala pati quam malo concentire. It is better to suffer every wrong or ill, than to consent to it. 3 Co. Inst. 23.

Necessitas vincit legem. Necessity overcomes the law. Hob. 144.

Necessitas inducit privililegium quoad jura privata. Necessity gives a preference with regard to private rights. Bacon's Max. REg. 5.

Lex semper dabit remedium. The law always gives a remedy. 3 Bouv. Inst. n. 2411.

Probandi necessitas incumbit illi ui agit. The necessity of proving lies with him who makes the charge.

Probationes debent esse evidentes, id est, perspicuae et faciles intelligi. Proofs ought to be made evident, that is, clear and easy to be understood. Co. Litt. 283.

Nemo, qui condemnare potest, absolvere non potest. He who may condemn may acquit. Dig. 50, 17, 37.

Quod est ex necessitate nunquam introducitor, nisi quando necessarium. What is introduced of necessity, is never introduced except when necessary. 2 Roll. R. 512.

Verba fortius accipientur contra proferentum. Words are to be taken most strongly against him who uses them. Bacon's Max. Reg. 3; 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 661.

Quae cohaerent personae person separari nequeunt. Things which belong to the person ought not to be separated from the person. Jenk. Cent. 28.

Maxims of Equity

            “Aequitas sequitir legem.” Equity follows the law. 1 Story, Eq. Jur. 64; 3 Wooddes. Lect. 479, 482.

Equity will not suffer a wrong to be without a remedy.

He who comes into equity must come with clean hands.

Equity will not allow a remedy that is contrary to law.

Equity will take jurisdiction to avoid a multiplicity of suits.

Equity will not allow a statute to be used as a cloak for fraud.

Equity regards the beneficiary as the true owner.

“Vigilantibus non dormientibus aequitas subvenit.” Equity aids the vigilant, not those who slumber on their rights.

Equity acts in personam or persons.

Equity delights to do justice and not by halves.

“A verbis legis non est recedendum.” From the words of the law there must be no departure.

“Actus Dei nemini facit injuriam.” The act of God does no injury; that is, no one is responsible for inevitable accidents.

“Augupia verforum sunt judice indigna.” A twisting of language is unworthy of a judge.

“Catalla just possessa amitti non possunt.” Chattels justly possessed cannot be lost.

“Contractus legem ex conventione accipiunt.” The agreement of the parties makes the law of the contract.

“Culpa lata aequiparatur dolo.” A concealed fault is equal to a deceit.

“Cum adsunt testimonia rerum quid opus est verbis?” When the proofs of facts are present, what need is there for words?

“Debet qui juri subjacere ubi delinquit.” Every one ought to be subject to the law of the place where he offends.

“Ejus est non nolle qui potest velle.” He who may consent tacitly may consent expressly.

“Ex facto jus oritur actio exteriora indicant interiora secreta.” Law arises out of fact; that is, its application must be to facts. 8 Co. R. 146.

“Actio exteriora indicant interiora secreta.” External actions show internal secrets. 8 Co. R. 146.

“Actor qui contra regulam quid adduxit non est audiendus.” He ought not to
be heard who advances a proposition contrary to the rules of law.

“Actore non probante reus absolvitur.” When the plaintiff does not prove his case, the defendant is absolved.

“Argumentum simili valet in lege.” An argument drawn from a similar case or analogy avails in law. Co. Litt. 191

'There is NO Immunity or Exemption for Deliberate Lawlessness'