Legal Maxims
/ˈliːɡəl ˈmæksɪmz/
Definitions
- (n.) Established principles or propositions of law universally admitted as true and fundamental to legal reasoning.
The judge applied well-known legal maxims to decide the case.
- (n.) Concise statements expressing general legal truths or rules derived from judicial decisions or statutes.
Legal maxims often guide courts in interpreting ambiguous statutes.
Forms
- legal maxim
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Legal maxims serve as foundational tools for judges and lawyers to reason and interpret laws, often bridging gaps where statutes may lack clarity.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.