Maxims, axioms & idioms · a browsable collection

Legal maxims, political axioms, and the idioms that carry them into everyday argument — each with a plain-English gloss and where it comes from. We state what a maxim means and where it's from; we do not tell you it is right. Open any maxim to see the case law that cites or applies it — curated landmark cases plus a live search of the public record. The legal maxims cross-reference the same categories as our case law.

Legal maxims Political axioms Idioms & mottos All

Sic semper tyrannis idiom · Latin

“Thus always to tyrants”

The motto of Virginia; a declaration against tyranny. (Historically also shouted by Booth at Lincoln's assassination — stated as fact, not celebrated.)

Provenance: Virginia state motto (1776).

Show the case law citing this maxim →

Give me liberty, or give me death! idiom · English

Freedom is worth dying for — a Revolutionary rallying cry.

Provenance: Patrick Henry, 1775 (as later reconstructed).

Show the case law citing this maxim →

No taxation without representation idiom · English

Government may not tax those it does not represent — a founding American grievance.

Provenance: American Revolution-era slogan.

Show the case law citing this maxim →

The whole world is watching idiom · English

Publicity as a check on state violence against protesters.