⚖ Proverbs and Legal Maxims in the Law Profession
✅ “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
— A famous saying meaning that if legal remedies or justice are not provided in a timely manner, it is effectively the same as having no justice at all.
Often quoted in courts to push for faster proceedings.
✅ “Fiat justitia ruat caelum.” (Latin)
— “Let justice be done though the heavens fall.”
This maxim means justice must be carried out regardless of the consequences.
✅ “Ignorantia juris non excusat.” (Latin)
— “Ignorance of the law is no excuse.”
A person cannot escape liability simply by claiming they did not know the law.
✅ “Let the buyer beware.” (Caveat emptor)
— The buyer is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before purchase.
✅ “He who comes into equity must come with clean hands.”
— A person seeking equitable relief must be free of wrongdoing themselves.
✅ “Where there is a right, there is a remedy.” (Ubi jus ibi remedium)
— If the law recognizes a right, it will also provide a way to enforce or protect it.
✅ “Possession is nine-tenths of the law.”
— In many disputes, the party in actual possession of property has a stronger claim.
✅ “Hard cases make bad law.”
— Difficult or emotional cases often result in poor legal precedents because they may bend general principles.
✅ “The burden of proof lies on him who asserts, not on him who denies.” (Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat)
— The party making an assertion or claim has the responsibility to prove it.
✅ “The law is reason, free from passion.” — Aristotle
— A reminder that law should be based on rational principles, not emotions.
✅ “A lawyer’s time and advice are his stock in trade.” — Abraham Lincoln
— Recognizing that a lawyer’s expertise and time are their primary professional assets.
✅ “A man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client.”
— Suggesting it’s unwise to represent yourself in court, as you may lack objectivity or skill.
✅ “No man is above the law.”
— Everyone, including rulers and officials, is subject to the law.
✅ “Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.”
— Transparency and fairness are crucial in the legal system to maintain public confidence.
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