Question

Which Latin maxim signifies that a person cannot be punished twice for the same offense?

• A. Nemo judex in causa sua
• B. Nemo bis punitur pro eodem delicto
• C. Actus reus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea
• D. Ignorantia juris non excusat

Hint:

In Latin maxims, look for key words. "Bis" means twice, and "punitur" relates to punishment. So, "Nemo bis punitur" means "No one is punished twice."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

This question asks for the Latin legal maxim for the principle of "double jeopardy". Step 1: Translate and understand each maxim.
(A) Nemo judex in causa sua: "No one should be a judge in their own cause." This is the rule against bias.
(B) Nemo bis punitur pro eodem delicto: "No one is punished twice for the same offense." This directly translates to the principle of double jeopardy. A more common maxim is *Nemo debet bis vexari pro una et eadem causa* (No one should be vexed twice for one and the same cause), but the meaning is the same.
(C) Actus reus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea: "An act does not make a person guilty unless the mind is also guilty." This is the principle that a crime requires both a guilty act (actus reus) and a guilty mind (mens rea).
(D) Ignorantia juris non excusat: "Ignorance of the law is not an excuse."

Step 2: Match the meaning to the maxim. The maxim that signifies a person cannot be punished twice for the same offense is option (B).