Latin Terms

Question 1

expressio unius est exclusio alterius

Answer 1

the express mention of one thing is the exclusion of another

Question 2

generalia specialibus non derogant

Answer 2

General things do not derogate from special things; ‘things’ meaning statutory provisions;
in the absence of clear words, specific provisions of an earlier Act cannot be impliedly repealed by general provisions of a later Act.

Question 3

noscitur a sociis

Answer 3

the meaning of a word is known from the words that accompany it

Question 4

ejusdem generis

Answer 4

‘of the same kind’; if words of particular meaning are followed by general words, the general words are limited to the same kind as the particular words

Question 5

per incuriam

Answer 5

through want of care; in ignorance of existing law

Question 6

pro privato commodo

Answer 6

means that any action was for purely private gain

Question 7

pro bono publico

Answer 7

means for the benefit of the public

Question 8

pro tanto

Answer 8

for so much; to the extent

Question 9

ratio decidendi

Answer 9

the reason for decision in a case; the judge’s decision based on the material facts

Question 10

sui generis

Answer 10

of its own kind; unique

Question 11

obiter dictum

Answer 11

a legal principle expounded by a judge which is not necessary for the judge’s decision in the case