Legal Definitions - sibi imputet

Sibi imputet is a Latin legal maxim that translates to "let it be imputed to himself" or "let him blame himself." This principle signifies that an individual is responsible for the consequences of their own actions or inactions, particularly when those consequences are negative and could have been avoided through different choices or greater diligence. Essentially, it means that the individual has brought the situation upon themselves and should bear the responsibility for it.

• Example 1 (Business Negligence): A small business owner decides to cut costs by not consulting with an attorney before signing a complex commercial lease. Later, they discover a clause in the lease that imposes significant unexpected fees, leading to financial strain. In this situation, the principle of sibi imputet applies because the owner's decision to forgo legal advice directly led to the unforeseen financial burden. They have only themselves to blame for the consequences of their oversight.

• Example 2 (Employment Policy Violation): An employee repeatedly uses company resources for personal projects, despite clear warnings and a written company policy prohibiting such use. When the company discovers this misuse, the employee is terminated. Here, sibi imputet illustrates that the employee's dismissal is a direct result of their own repeated violations of established rules, making them solely responsible for the loss of their job.

• Example 3 (Personal Responsibility/Property): A homeowner consistently neglects to repair a leaky roof, despite noticing water stains and receiving advice to address the issue promptly. During a heavy storm, the roof collapses, causing extensive damage to the interior of the house. The homeowner cannot claim external forces as the sole cause; sibi imputet suggests that the significant damage is largely attributable to their own prolonged inaction and failure to maintain their property.