Legal maxims are established principles or rules of law that are universally recognized and often cited in legal reasoning. They serve as guiding statements that help interpret laws and provide clarity in legal proceedings. These maxims are typically derived from common law traditions and can be found in various legal systems around the world. These concise phrases encapsulate fundamental legal concepts, such as justice, equity, and fairness. Examples include "Ignorance of the law is no excuse" and "He who seeks equity must do equity." Legal maxims are valuable tools for judges, lawyers, and scholars in understanding and applying the law effectively.