Some well known Latin maxims reference to others to which it applies, that list is  Words of the law are
t is  Words of the law are to be read in its context
A. Verba legis non est recedendum (from the words
of the law there can be no departure)
 The basic application of this rule is what is
commonly known as the “plain meaning rule”.
When the words of the law are clear and
unambiguous, there is room for statutory
construction. The law is to be applied as it is and
there is no room for interpretation and
construction
B. Ratio legis est anima legis (the reason for the
law is its spirit)
 It is resorted to when a doubt occurs from
reading the words of the law. While the first rule
is verba legis, when the same fails, the reason for
the law shall be sought to clarify the ambiguous
provision. The reason for the law as set forth in
other parts of the statute or using extrinsic aids
will guide the courts in ascertaining the real
meaning of the doubtful provision of law.
C. Mens legislatoris (intent of the legislators)
 Generally refers to the legislative intent that is
sought or ascertained in statutory construction.
The same may be found in numerous ways and
using various aids.
D. Dura lex, sed lex (the law may be harsh but it is
still the law)
 This has application to criminal or penal statutes
that even if the law imposes a harsh penalty
courts are without discretion but to impose the
penalty prescribed for the crime or offense. This
is true because the primary duty of the courts is
to apply the law, as and where it is found
E. Expression unius est exclusio alterius (the
express mention of some excludes all others)
 The law has application to enumerations
contained in the law which are exclusive. When
the law provides a list and does not make
exclusive of all others not expressly mentioned
therein.
F. Ejusdem Generis (same species follow)
 The term has application to cases when the law
contains an enumeration and at the end of the
enumeration the words “and others” or “and the
like” are found wherein the clear intention of the
law is to include in the enumeration. Only those
which are of the same species as those
enumerated are to be regarded as included in
the enumeration or falling within its context
G. Cassus omissus pro omisso hebendus est (what
has been omitted is deemed to have been
intentionally omitted)
 Permissive Cassus Omissus – Courts are
permitted to supplant the insufficiencies of the
law when clearly legislative intent so permits, as
when a typographical error has been committed.
 Restrictive Cassus Omissus – Disallows courts
from making such supplements when the clear
intention was to leave the portion omitted. This
happens when the amendatory law contains a
list that is short of the amended law. The Courts
will use the rule to desist from rewriting the
omitted provision into the law
H. Pari materia (relating to the same subject)
 Where there are two laws covering the same
subject which are irreconcilably inconsistent with
each other, one will be struck down as having
been repealed by the other. The general idea is
that a later law on the same subject repeals an
earlier law.
 This is pursuant to Art. 7(1) of the Civil Code
which provides that “Laws are repealed only by
subsequent ones, and their violation or non-
observance shall not be excused by disuse, or
custom or practice to the contrary.
I. Noscitur a sociis (associated words)
with other provisions. They are not to be taken
as separated from each other. The reading of the
context will reveal an intention deeper than that
which is contained in the reading of a single
provision or word.
J. Ubi lex non distinguit nec nos distinguire
debemus (when the law does not distinguish we
should not distinguish)
 The rule has application cases when the law
speaks in general terms so as not to exclude
anything from its application. Courts and lawyers
should avoid making special distinctions as to
certain classes as not belonging to the
application of the law when the clear intention
was to apply the same generally
K. Cessante rationale legis, cessat ipsa lex (when
the reason of the law ceases the law itself
ceases)
 The reason which induced the legislature to
enact the law is the heart and spirit of the law
L. Salus populi est suprema lex (the welfare of the
people is the supreme law)
 Social justice as defined by Calalang v. Williams
Social justice is neither communism, nor despotism, nor
atomism, nor anarchy, but the humanization of laws and
the equalization of social and economic forces by the State
so that justice in its rational and objectively secular
conception may at least be approximated. Social justice
means the promotion of the welfare of all the people, the
adoption by the Government of measures calculated to
ensure economic stability of all the component elements
of society, through the maintenance of a proper economic
and social equilibrium in the interrelations of the members
of the community, constitutionally, through the adoption
of measures legally justifiable, or extra-constitutionally,
through the exercise of powers underlying the existence of
all governments on the time-honored principle of salus
populi est suprema lex.