Master key legal maxims for CLAT UG 2026 by attempting these questions!
QUESTIONS
1. Which legal maxim conveys that ignorance of the law is not a valid defense?
A) Res ipsa loquitur
B) Ignorantia juris non excusat
C) Actus reus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea
D) Nemo judex in causa sua
B) Ignorantia juris non excusat
C) Actus reus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea
D) Nemo judex in causa sua
Correct Answer: B) Ignorantia juris non excusat
Explanation: This maxim means “ignorance of the law excuses not.” It holds that individuals are presumed to know the law, and lack of knowledge is not a defense in legal proceedings.
2. The principle that “the thing speaks for itself” is encapsulated in which maxim?
A) Res judicata
B) Actio personalis moritur cum persona
C) Res ipsa loquitur
D) De minimis non curat lex
B) Actio personalis moritur cum persona
C) Res ipsa loquitur
D) De minimis non curat lex
Correct Answer: C) Res ipsa loquitur
Explanation: This maxim applies in tort law, indicating that negligence can be inferred from the very nature of an accident or injury, without direct evidence.
3. Which maxim means “no one should be a judge in their own cause”?
A) Nemo debet esse judex in propria causa
B) In loco parentis
C) Volenti non fit injuria
D) Lex non cogit ad impossibilia
B) In loco parentis
C) Volenti non fit injuria
D) Lex non cogit ad impossibilia
Correct Answer: A) Nemo debet esse judex in propria causa
Explanation: This principle ensures impartiality in legal proceedings by stating that one cannot be a judge in a case where they have an interest.
4. The maxim Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea implies what?
A) An act alone constitutes guilt
B) Guilt requires both act and intent
C) Ignorance of law is excusable
D) Consent nullifies injury
B) Guilt requires both act and intent
C) Ignorance of law is excusable
D) Consent nullifies injury
Correct Answer: B) Guilt requires both act and intent
Explanation: This principle means “an act does not make a person guilty unless there is a guilty mind,” emphasizing the necessity of intent in establishing criminal liability.
5. Which maxim denotes that “the law does not concern itself with trifles”?
A) De minimis non curat lex
B) Ubi jus ibi remedium
C) Res judicata
D) Lex talionis
B) Ubi jus ibi remedium
C) Res judicata
D) Lex talionis
Correct Answer: A) De minimis non curat lex
Explanation: This maxim suggests that the law does not deal with insignificant matters, focusing instead on substantial issues.
6. The principle that “where there is a right, there is a remedy” is expressed by which maxim?
A) Volenti non fit injuria
B) Ubi jus ibi remedium
C) In pari delicto potior est conditio defendentis
D) Lex loci delicti
B) Ubi jus ibi remedium
C) In pari delicto potior est conditio defendentis
D) Lex loci delicti
Correct Answer: B) Ubi jus ibi remedium
Explanation: This maxim asserts that if a legal right is violated, the law provides a remedy to enforce that right.
7. Which maxim is applied when a person consents to the risk and thus cannot claim injury?
A) Volenti non fit injuria
B) Actio personalis moritur cum persona
C) Res ipsa loquitur
D) Nemo dat quod non habet
B) Actio personalis moritur cum persona
C) Res ipsa loquitur
D) Nemo dat quod non habet
Correct Answer: A) Volenti non fit injuria
Explanation: This principle means “to one who consents, no harm is done,” indicating that voluntary acceptance of risk negates liability.
8. The maxim In loco parentis refers to which of the following?
A) Acting as a guardian or parent
B) Legal ownership transfer
C) Double jeopardy
D) Judicial impartiality
B) Legal ownership transfer
C) Double jeopardy
D) Judicial impartiality
Correct Answer: A) Acting as a guardian or parent
Explanation: This maxim means “in the place of a parent,” referring to individuals or institutions assuming parental responsibilities.
9. Which maxim indicates that a personal legal action dies with the person?
A) Actio personalis moritur cum persona
B) Res judicata
C) Lex non cogit ad impossibilia
D) Nemo judex in causa sua
B) Res judicata
C) Lex non cogit ad impossibilia
D) Nemo judex in causa sua
Correct Answer: A) Actio personalis moritur cum persona
Explanation: This principle states that personal legal claims do not survive the death of the individual involved.
10. The maxim Lex non cogit ad impossibilia conveys what legal principle?
A) Law requires the impossible
B) Law does not compel the impossible
C) Ignorance of law is a defense
D) Consent invalidates injury
B) Law does not compel the impossible
C) Ignorance of law is a defense
D) Consent invalidates injury
Correct Answer: B) Law does not compel the impossible
Explanation: This maxim means that the law does not demand the performance of impossible acts, recognizing human limitations.
Read More: Important Legal Terms for CLAT and Other Exams
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Ruchika Mohapatra
Contributing author
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