res ipsa loquitur
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From the Latin phrase rēs ipsa loquitur (“the thing speaks for itself”, literally “the thing itself speaks”).
Phrase[edit]
res ipsa loquitur
- The import of a thing or situation is obvious.
- Synonyms: clear cut, cut and dried, open and shut, open and shut case
- (tort law) A maxim where the very improbable facts of an accident imply the negligence of the defendant. It effectively shifts the burden of proof to the defendant.
- Coordinate term: prima facie
Translations[edit]
maxim where improbable facts imply negligence
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Latin[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
Etymology[edit]
From rēs (“thing”) + ipsa (“herself”), the feminine of ipse (“himself”) because rēs is a feminine word + loquitur (“she speaks”) the third-person form of loquor (“I speak”). Literally meaning "the thing itself speaks" or "the matter itself speaks".