Roman Sayings – Law, Civics, War, Politics

1. Dura lexsedlex [the] law [is] harsh, but [it is Ulpian, DigestaIustiniani, Roman jurist of
the] law the 3rd century AD.

2. ex post facto from a thing done afterward Said of a law with retroactive effect.

3. Ignorantia juris (or ignorantia legis non excusat A legal principle whereby ignorance of a law
non excusat. or ignorantia legis neminem does not allow one to escape liability.
excusat) ignorance of the law is
no excuse

4. Bellum se ipse War feeds itself.

alet.

5. Dulce et decorum It is sweet and proper to die for

est pro patria one’s fatherland.
mori.

6. Casus belli the case of war, the cause of This refers to the event or action that justifies
war, the occasion of war going to war, or is cited as justification for
war.
7. Jus ad bellum law for going to war

8. Jus in bello law for conduct or behavior in

war

9. Cedant arma Arms [or weapons] give way to

togae. the toga.

10. sub judice under a judge Said of a case that cannot be publicly
discussed until it is finished. Also sub iudice.

11. Vox populi, vox the voice of the people is the

Dei voice of God

12. Alea iacta est. The die is cast. Attributed to Julius Caesar as he led his army
across the Rubicon river in Northern Italy.
With this step, he entered Italy at the head of
his army in defiance of the Senate and began
his long civil war against Pompey. This
meant a point of no return, that there was no
turning back.
13. Fiat iustitia, Let justice be done, though the
ruat caelum. heavens fall.

14. Qui facit per He who acts through others, acts

alium, facit per se. through himself.

15. Non compos not of sound mind

mentis

16. Caveat emptor Let the buyer beware.