English

Phrase

res ipsa loquitur

1. The import of a thing or situation is obvious.
2. (law) A maxim where the very improbable facts of an accident imply the negligence of the defendant. It effectively shifts the burden of proof to the defendant.

Synonyms

• (import is obvious): clear cut, cut and dried, open and shut, open and shut case

Coordinate terms

• prima facie

Translations

Latin

Alternative forms

• rēs loquitur ipsa ()

Etymology

From rēs ‎(“thing”) + ipsa ‎(“herself”), the feminine of ipse ‎(“himself”) because rēs is a feminine word + loquitur ‎(“she speaks”) the third-person form of loquor ‎(“I speak”). Literally meaning "the thing itself speaks" or "the matter itself speaks".

Phrase

rēs ipsa loquitur

1. the thing speaks for itself