Res ipsa loquitur
WordNet
noun
(1) A rule of evidence whereby the negligence of an alleged wrongdoer can be inferred from the fact that the accident happened
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From the phrase .
Phrase
res ipsa loquitur
- 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.
Alternative spellings
- rēs loquitur ipsa (http://books.google.is/books?id=bXGJuX1mDrwC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA201)
Etymology
From + , the feminine of because is a feminine word + the third-person form of . Literally meaning "the thing itself speaks" or "the matter itself speaks".
Phrase
rēs ipsa loquitur
- the thing speaks for itself