Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Maxims: A set of simple rules that judges and lawyers use to help them make decisions in legal cases. These rules are written down in the laws of most states and include things like "if something doesn't make sense, we shouldn't do it" and "if someone agrees to something, they can't later say they were wronged by it." They help make sure that everyone is treated fairly and that the law is applied in a consistent way.
Definition: A collection of legal sayings that are used as "rules of thumb" by judges and lawyers. They are listed in the codified statutes of most states and include:
These maxims are used as guidelines for judges and lawyers when making legal decisions. They are based on common sense and are meant to ensure fairness and justice in the legal system. For example, the maxim "No one should suffer by the act of another" means that if someone is harmed by the actions of another person, the responsible party should be held accountable for their actions and compensate the victim. Another example is the maxim "The law helps the vigilant, before those who sleep on their rights," which means that if someone fails to take action to protect their rights, they may lose them.