*1. Actus reus* – the guilty act.
*2. Mens rea* – the guilty mind.
*3. Stare decisis* – stand by decisions; precedent.
*4. Ratio decidendi* – the reasoning behind a judgment.
*5. Obiter dictum* – remarks made in passing, not essential to the decision.
*6. Bona fide* – in good faith.
*7. Prima facie* – at first sight; sufficient to establish a fact unless disproved.
*8. Res ipsa loquitur* – the thing speaks for itself; inference of negligence.
*9. Habeas corpus* – produce the body; a writ to challenge unlawful detention.
*10. Ultra vires* – beyond the powers granted.
*11. Ejusdem generis* – of the same kind; used to interpret lists.
*12. Noscitur a sociis* – a word is known by the company it keeps.
*13. Contra proferentem* – ambiguous terms are construed against the drafter.
*14. Quantum meruit* – as much as he has earned; claim for reasonable value of services.
*15. Sui generis* – unique, in a class of its own.
*16. Amicus curiae* – friend of the court; a person who offers information or argument.
*17. Certiorari* – a writ ordering a lower court to send records for review.
*18. Mandamus* – a command from a higher court to a lower authority.
*19. Quo warranto* – by what authority; challenges to a person’s right to hold office.
*20. Pro bono* – for the public good; free legal services.
*21. In loco parentis* – in the place of a parent.
*22. Inter alia* – among other things.
*23. Sine die* – without a day; indefinitely postponed.
*24. Ex parte* – on behalf of one party only; without the other side being heard.
*25. Ad hoc* – for a specific purpose.
*26. Per se* – by itself; inherently.
*27. Ipso facto* – by the fact itself; automatically.
*28. Locus standi* – the right to bring a legal action.
*29. Res judicata* – a matter already judged; cannot be re‑litigated.
*30. Corpus delicti* – the body of the crime; essential facts proving a crime occurred.
*31. Caveat emptor* – let the buyer beware.
*32. Fiduciary* – a person who must act in another’s best interest.
*33. Estoppel* – a principle preventing someone from asserting a claim inconsistent with prior conduct.
*34. Jus ad bellum* – the right to war; legal justification for using force.
*35. Jus in bello* – law of war; rules governing conduct during conflict.
*36. Pacta sunt servanda* – agreements must be kept.
*37. Rebus sic stantibus* – things standing thus; doctrine allowing contract revision if circumstances change drastically.
*38. Force majeure* – superior force; unforeseeable events excusing performance.
*39. Subpoena* – a court order to appear or produce evidence.
*40. De facto* – in fact; actual situation, even if not legally recognized.
*41. De jure* – by law; legally recognized.
*42. Ab initio* – from the beginning.
*43. In toto* – in whole; entirely.
*44. Mutatis mutandis* – with necessary changes having been made.
*45. Nulla poena sine lege* – no punishment without law.
*46. Nullus commodum capere potest ex sua injuria propria* – no one can benefit from his own wrongdoing.
*47. Ratio legis* – the reason for a law.
*48. Scandalum magnatum* – defamation of high‑ranking persons.
*49. Ultra posse* – beyond ability; cannot be required.
*50. Vicarious liability* – liability for the actions of another (e.g., employer for employee).
