Res Ipsa Loquitur
/ˈrɛz ˈɪpsə loʊˈkwɪtər/
Definitions
- (phrase) A doctrine in tort law allowing negligence to be inferred from the very nature of an accident or injury, absent direct evidence.
The court applied res ipsa loquitur to hold the defendant liable despite no direct proof of negligence.
Forms
- res ipsa loquitur
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Res ipsa loquitur is often invoked when the cause of harm is under the defendant's control and would not normally occur without negligence, thus shifting the evidentiary burden.
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.