AD QUESTIONES FACTI NON RESPONDENT Meaning and
Definition
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"Ad questiones facti non respondent" is a Latin legal phrase that translates to "They do not answer to questions of fact." It refers to the principle that judges or decision-making bodies should not be responsible for determining or addressing issues regarding the factual aspects of a case. Instead, their role is limited to interpreting and applying the law, leaving matters of fact to be resolved by the relevant parties or specialized fact-finding institutions.
This principle is based on the understanding that judges possess legal expertise and are primarily responsible for analyzing the law and ensuring its fair and consistent application. Questions of fact, on the other hand, involve determining the truth or falsity of specific events or matters surrounding a case, requiring specialized knowledge or evidence that is typically outside the scope of the judiciary's duties.
"Ad questiones facti non respondent" applies to both civil and criminal cases, emphasizing the distinction between matters of fact and matters of law. It upholds the principle of fairness in legal proceedings, as it promotes the involvement of parties, witnesses, and experts who are better equipped to provide evidence, testimonies, or explanations related to factual disputes in a case.
In summary, this legal maxim clarifies that it is the role of the judiciary to address questions of law, not fact, leaving the determination of factual issues to the parties involved or to specific fact-finding bodies.
