res ipsa loquitur

American  

[reez ip-suh loh-kwi-ter, lok-wi-, reys] / ˈriz ˈɪp sə ˈloʊ kwɪ tər, ˈlɒk wɪ-, ˈreɪs /

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.

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res ipsa loquitur British  

/ reɪs ˌɪpsɑː ˈlɒkwɪtə /

1. law the thing or matter speaks for itself

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Etymology

Origin of res ipsa loquitur

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

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, the concept of res ipsa loquitur applies here.

From Washington Post • Dec. 2, 2022

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

From Fox News • Aug. 28, 2020

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 26, 2018

At least in my opinion, and I suspect in the court of public opinion, while he may have gotten away with it, res ipsa loquitur.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2015

No doubt res ipsa loquitur gives a possible mode of treating cases where one maintains something likely to get out of hand and do injury.

From An Introduction to the Philosophy of Law by Pound, Roscoe