res ipsa loquitur
The term "res ipsa loquitur" is a Latin phrase meaning "the thing speaks for itself" and is a legal doctrine used to infer negligence from the nature of an accident.
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Definition
C1Tort Law
(legal, technical)A legal principle allowing the assumption of negligence based on the mere occurrence of certain types of accidents, even without direct evidence.
Example
- In a case where a surgical instrument is left inside a patient, res ipsa loquitur may be invoked to infer negligence.
- The doctrine of res ipsa loquitur was applied because the accident was of a type that typically does not happen without negligence.
C1General
(legal, formal)A doctrine indicating that the nature of an incident is so clear that it speaks for itself, implying negligence.
Example
- When a commercial airplane crashes, res ipsa loquitur can be used to suggest negligence on the part of the airline.
- The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, citing res ipsa loquitur, as the injury clearly indicated negligence.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "res ipsa loquitur":