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A legal maxim is an established, universally accepted principle or proposition of law written as a concise, authoritative formula. Usually expressed in Latin, these maxims serve as foundational guideposts that judges, lawyers, and scholars use to interpret statutes, resolve ambiguities, and apply legal reasoning consistently.

Maxims are not absolute, binding laws themselves; rather, they are legal axioms that encapsulate centuries of jurisprudence, common sense, and equity. They embody the collective wisdom of legal history, helping to ensure that law is applied fairly and predictably.

For example, the maxim "Ignorantia juris non excusat" establishes that ignorance of the law is no excuse, while "Audi alteram partem"* mandates that both sides of a dispute must be heard. By condensing complex legal philosophy into memorable, shorthand expressions, legal maxims provide a steady framework for judicial decision-making and the administration of justice.