res ipsa loquitur

[ reez ip-suh loh-kwi-ter, lok-wi-, reys ]

noun

, Law.

1. the rule that an injury is due to the defendant's negligence when that which caused it was under their control or management and the injury would not have happened had proper management been observed.

res ipsa loquitur

/ reɪs ˌɪpsɑː ˈlɒkwɪtə /

(no translation)

1. law the thing or matter speaks for itself

Word History and Origins

Origin of res ipsa loquitur¹

First recorded in 1650–60, res ipsa loquitur is from Latin rēs ipsa loquitur literally, “the thing speaks for itself”

Word History and Origins

Origin of res ipsa loquitur¹

Latin

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, the concept of res ipsa loquitur applies here.

From Washington Post

There is a Latin phrase we use in the law called “res ipsa loquitur” which means “the thing speaks for itself.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Romans said ‘res ipsa loquitur'; we say, ‘the facts speak for themselves.’

From Literature

If you thought your party was good, then it was – res ipsa loquitur.

From Fox News

"There's a doctrine of law that says res ipsa loquitur," he said.

From Los Angeles Times