Legal Maxims

ubi lex non, distingquit nec nos distinguere debemos

where the law does not distinguish, neither do we distingguish

generalia verba saunt generaliter intelligenda

that the law does not make a distinction prevents us from making one

dissimilum dissimilis est ratio

of things dissimilar, the rule is dissimilar.

proviso

is an article or clause in a statute that introduces a condition.

noscitur a sociis

it is known by its associates

expressium facit cessare facit cesare tacitum

what is expressed puts an end to what is implied

expressio unius est exclusio alterius

the explicit exclusion of certain things implies the exclusion of those not included

ejusdem generis

of the same kind, class or nature

casus omissus pro omiso habendus est

A person, object or thing omitted must have been omitted intentionally.

ad proximum antecedens fiat relatio nisi impediatur sentencia

relative words refer to the nearest antecedent, unless it be prevent by the context.

interpretare et concordare legibus est optimus interpretandi

every statute must be construed and harmonized with other statutes as to form a uniform system of jurisprudence, supports the first step that one must do in resolving an issue on the interpretation of statutes in pare materia.

pare materia

on the same subject or matter.

generalia specialibus non derogant

the provisions of a general statute must yield to the provisions of a special statute.

lex propicit, non respicit

the law looks forward, not backward

lex de futuro, judex de praeterito

the law provides for the future, the judge for the past

Verba Legis

Where the statute is clear, plain, and free from ambiguity, it must be given its literal meaning and applied. without interpretation

Stare Decisis

to stand by things decided

Pro Reo

When in doubt, rule for the accused