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What is the meaning of the Latin Maxim/Legal Word/ Legal Term ‘Impotentia excusat legem”?
  • a)
    Impossibility in Law is excluded.
  • b)
    Impossibility is an excuse in law.
  • c)
    Impossible Excuses are an exception in law.
  • d)
    Impossible excuses are not legally approved.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What is the meaning of the Latin Maxim/Legal Word/ Legal Term ‘I...
The Latin Maxim/word/term stands for the impossibility of performing a legal obligation due to a reasonably unforeseeable situation.
Hence option B is the right answer.
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Community Answer
What is the meaning of the Latin Maxim/Legal Word/ Legal Term ‘I...
Meaning of the Term:
"Impotentia excusat legem" is a Latin legal maxim that translates to "Impossibility is an excuse in law."

Explanation:
- Impossibility as an Excuse: The legal principle behind this term is that if it is impossible for someone to comply with a law or legal requirement due to circumstances beyond their control, then they may be excused from liability or punishment.
- Recognition of Impossibility: In legal terms, impossibility refers to situations where it is not physically or legally possible for an individual to fulfill their legal obligations. This could be due to reasons such as a natural disaster, unforeseen circumstances, or the actions of a third party.
- Exemption from Liability: By invoking the principle of "Impotentia excusat legem," individuals can argue that their inability to comply with the law should excuse them from any legal consequences or penalties that would normally apply for non-compliance.
- Application in Legal Cases: Courts may consider this legal maxim when assessing cases where individuals have failed to meet their legal obligations due to reasons beyond their control. It serves as a defense mechanism for individuals facing legal action in situations of genuine impossibility.
- Legal Interpretation: The principle of impossibility as an excuse in law aims to strike a balance between upholding legal standards and recognizing that there are circumstances where individuals should not be held accountable for actions that were impossible for them to perform.
In conclusion, "Impotentia excusat legem" underscores the importance of considering impossibility as a valid excuse in legal contexts where individuals are unable to meet their legal obligations due to external factors.
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What is the meaning of the Latin Maxim/Legal Word/ Legal Term ‘Impotentia excusat legem”?a)Impossibility in Law is excluded.b)Impossibility is an excuse in law.c)Impossible Excuses are an exception in law.d)Impossible excuses are not legally approved.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for CLAT 2025 is part of CLAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CLAT exam syllabus. Information about What is the meaning of the Latin Maxim/Legal Word/ Legal Term ‘Impotentia excusat legem”?a)Impossibility in Law is excluded.b)Impossibility is an excuse in law.c)Impossible Excuses are an exception in law.d)Impossible excuses are not legally approved.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CLAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the meaning of the Latin Maxim/Legal Word/ Legal Term ‘Impotentia excusat legem”?a)Impossibility in Law is excluded.b)Impossibility is an excuse in law.c)Impossible Excuses are an exception in law.d)Impossible excuses are not legally approved.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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