LEGAL MAXIMS

Pro reo: Whenever a penal law is to be construed or applied and the law admits to two
interpretations – one lenient to the offender; and one strict to the offender – that interpretation
which is lenient or favorable to the offender will be adopted.

Nullum crimen, nulla poena sine lege: There is no crime when there is no law punishing it.

Actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea: The act cannot be criminal where the mind is not
criminal.

Mala in se: inherently evil

Mala animo: with evil intent

Aberratio ictus: mistake in the blow

Error in personae: mistake in identity

Praeter intentionem: consequence exceeded intention

Actus Reus: A guilty act

Corpus delicti: The body or gist of the crime

Doli (In)capax: (In)capable of crime

Habeas Corpus: You shall have the body

Mens Rea: A guilty mind

Prima Facie: At first appearance

Animus Possidendi: Intent to possess

Animus Furiendi: Intent to steal

Crimen trahit personam: The crime carries the person

Nemo punitur pro alieno delicto: No one can be punished for the crime of another.

Nemo bis punitur pro eodem delicto: No one can be punished for the same offense.

Lex prospicit non respicit: The law looks forward, not backward.