Latin Political and Legal Maxims

 (Hans Schmidt, 1912)

1. Vox populi est vox dei. - The voice of the people is the voice of God.
2. Salus populi, suprema lex. - The welfare of the people is the supreme law.
3. Dura lex, sed lex. - The may be harsh but it is the law.
4. Ignorantia legis, non excusat neminem. - Ignorance of the law does not excuse anyone.
5. Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit non qui negat. - It is the duty of he who accuses to prove, not the one who denies.
6. Par in parem, non habet imperium. - A state cannot claim jurisdiction over another.
7. Actus non facit, reum nisi mens sit rea. - The act is not guilty unless the mind is also guilty.
8. Ubi dubium, ibi libertas - If there is doubt, there is freedom.
9. Fiat justitia ruat caelum - Let justice be done even if the heavens fall.
10. Qui custodiet ipsos custodes? - "Who guards the guardians?"
11. Delegata potestas non delegari potest. - "Delegated powers can no longer be delegated."

Photo Credits:

Hans Schmidt.  "Cicero's Speech Attacking Catilina." 1912  http://www.askart.com/askart/s/hans_w_schmidt/hans_w_schmidt.aspx.  and http://www.mutualart.com/Artwork/Ciceros-Speech-Attacking-Catilina-in-the/DAFE716CA0BDF808.  Last accessed 2013.

Perseus and the Celestial Sphere

The ancient Greeks used myths to explain events both natural and social.  In the documentary that we watched, it featured three astronomical components: one event, one constellation, and one star.

Identify and discuss each in the comments area.