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.