Meaning: The state as guardian of those who cannot protect themselves. Explanation: Courts and authorities may intervene to protect vulnerable persons; universities have statutory and ethical duties to safeguard students

Meaning: No one is bound to accuse themselves (right against self-incrimination). Explanation: Protects individuals from compelled self-incrimination in criminal and administrative contexts; vital during campus interviews to prevent coercive testimonies.

Meaning: The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law. Explanation: This principle emphasizes that the state’s actions must prioritize the common good above private or individual interests. It

Meaning: Law of the place where the wrong was committed applies. Explanation: Determines applicable jurisdiction; vital in cross-campus or cross-border harms. Example: Cyberbullying targeted at a student in Province A

Meaning: In equal fault, the defendant’s position is stronger. Explanation: Relief may be denied to parties equally at fault to prevent rewarding wrongdoing. Example: Two student groups colluding in fabrication

Meaning: The thing speaks for itself. Explanation: Obvious accidents allow inference of negligence even without direct evidence. Example: A collapsed scaffold injuring students strongly suggests maintenance negligence.

Meaning: No crime without law. Explanation: Penal statutes must be prospective and clear; retroactive criminalisation violates fairness. Example: Students cannot be prosecuted retroactively for lawful speech.

Meaning: Fair relief is available where strict remedies are insufficient. Explanation: Equitable relief—injunctions, specific performance—is used when damages are inadequate. Example: Temporary injunction preventing unlawful suspension pending appeal.

Meaning: A specific law overrides a general law. Explanation: More specific norms control over general provisions; vital in harmonising campus and national statutes. Example: Specific online misconduct rules may override

Meaning: Let justice be done though the heavens fall. Explanation: Fidelity to justice even at great cost; courts invoke it rhetorically in landmark decisions. Example: A student whistleblower’s case pursued

Meaning: The law does not concern itself with trifles. Explanation: Courts avoid trivial disputes; discretion is key, especially for marginalized groups. Example: A petty insult may be de minimis unless