Important Legal Principles and Maxims
Stare Decisis
It means to stand by decided cases. Courts generally follow earlier judicial decisions or precedents to maintain consistency and certainty in law.
Double Jeopardy
It means that a person should not be prosecuted or punished twice for the same offence after being lawfully convicted or acquitted.
Audi Alteram Partem
It means hear the other side. No person should be condemned or punished without being given a fair opportunity of being heard.
Res Judicata
It means a matter already judged. Once a competent court has finally decided a matter, the same parties cannot reopen the same issue again.
Res Subjudice
It means a matter under judicial consideration. When a matter is already pending before a competent court, another court should not try the same matter between the same parties.
Locus Standi
It means the right to approach the court. A person must have sufficient legal interest or connection with the matter to file a case.
Video Lecture
Watch: Common Legal Maxims
Watch this lecture first for a simple explanation of important legal maxims, their meanings and how they are used in law.
