Legal Lexicon

Stare decisis

To stand by things decided

Ratio decidendi

The reason or the foundation for the decision

Nemo dat quod non habet → or “nemo dat”

No one can give what they do not have

Prima facie

On first appearance

Obiter dictum

Something said by the way

Coram

In the presence of

Ad item

For the purpose of the legal action only

A fortiori

Even more so / With stronger reason

Affidavit

Sworn written statement

Bona fide

In good faith

Ex parte

From one side only

Ad valorem

According to value

Bona vacantia

Ownerless goods

Caveat emptor

Let the buyer beware

De minimis non curat lex

The law does not concern itself with trifles

De facto

In fact / in reality

Audi alteram partem

Hear the other side