What does the doctrine 'res ipsa loquitur' literally mean?

• A. "Let the master answer."
• B. "The thing speaks for itself."
• C. "The truth shall prevail."
• D. "Actions speak louder than words."

Answer: (B)

The doctrine 'res ipsa loquitur' literally translates to "The thing speaks for itself." This legal principle is often applied in tort cases to indicate that the mere occurrence of certain types of accidents implies negligence. Essentially, it allows a plaintiff to prove negligence without the need for direct evidence by demonstrating that the accident could not have happened without someone's negligence. The phrase emphasizes that the nature of the incident is so clear that it requires little explanation or evidence to understand that a fault has occurred. This principle serves as a critical concept in legal contexts, particularly in medical malpractice and personal injury cases, confirming that some facts are evident and do not need further elaboration.