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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
legal maxim
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A quick definition of legal maxim:
A legal maxim is a short phrase that expresses a traditional legal principle. It's like a rule that lawyers and judges use to help them make decisions. For example, "possession is nine-tenths of the law" means that if someone has something in their possession, it's usually considered theirs. Another example is "let the buyer beware," which means that it's the buyer's responsibility to make sure they're getting what they paid for.
A more thorough explanation:
A legal maxim is a concise expression of a traditional legal principle that has been established over time. It is a statement that is widely accepted and used in legal arguments and decisions.
For example, "possession is nine-tenths of the law" is a legal maxim that means if someone has physical possession of something, they have a stronger legal claim to it than someone who does not. Another example is "caveat emptor," which means "let the buyer beware." This maxim reminds buyers that they are responsible for making sure they are getting what they pay for and should be cautious when making purchases.
These examples illustrate how legal maxims can be used to simplify complex legal concepts into easy-to-remember phrases. They are often used in legal arguments to support a particular position or to help interpret the law.