Maxim (Original) Translation / Meaning Corpus Source Application to Rebuttal
Ad quaestionem juris non respondent juratores; ad quaestionem facti non respondent judices The jury do not answer to a question of law; the judges do not answer to a question of fact. Common law principle with roots in Corpus Juris Civilis Reinforces that jurisdiction (a matter of law) must be proven by the court, not presumed as a fact to be “found” against the man.
Ubi lex non distinguit, nec nos distinguere debemus Where the law does not distinguish, neither should we distinguish. Corpus Juris Civilis Prevents the court from creating artificial categories of person (e.g., corporate fiction vs. living man) not expressly distinguished in enacted law.
Ecclesia supplet The Church supplies (jurisdiction or authority where it is lacking). Corpus Juris Canonici Shows how ecclesiastical courts historically presumed jurisdiction — a presumption rebutted here in secular proceedings.
Delegatus non potest delegare A delegate cannot delegate. Corpus Juris Canonici Undermines any claim that jurisdiction delegated from a foreign or ecclesiastical source can be further delegated to a secular court without express statutory authority.
Actor incumbit onus probandi The burden of proof lies on the claimant. Corpus Juris Secundum / general common law Places the onus on the Crown to prove jurisdiction by positive law, not on the man to disprove inherited presumptions.
Boni judicis est ampliare jurisdictionem It is the part of a good judge to enlarge his jurisdiction. Corpus Juris Secundum (noted as a cautionary maxim) Demonstrates the risk of judicial overreach — supports the need for strict proof of jurisdictional basis.
No fact of law shall be tried in court (alter) Matters of law are for the judge; matters of fact are for the jury. Common law / Roman law influence Prevents the court from treating the man’s legal status or standing as a “fact” to be determined without first establishing the law that applies.

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