Volenti Non Fit Injuria

"Volenti non fit injuria" is a Latin phrase that translates to "to one who is willing, no harm is done". It is a legal principle often applied in tort law to defend against claims of negligence or wrongdoing.

According to this principle, if a person willingly and knowingly exposes himself to a known risk, he cannot later claim compensation for any harm or injury that results from that risk. In other words, if someone voluntarily consents to a potentially harmful activity or situation, he is deemed to have assumed the risk and cannot hold another party liable for any resulting harm.

To successfully invoke the principle of volenti non fit injuria, the defendant must prove that:
  1. the plaintiff had knowledge of the nature and extent of the risk involved; and
  2. the plaintiff voluntarily and freely consented to undertake the risky activity or situation.

However, there are some exceptions and limitations to the application of this principle. It may not apply in cases involving gross negligence, intentional harm, or situations where there is a significant power imbalance between the parties, such as employer-employee relationships or certain consumer transactions. Additionally, the principle may not be applicable in certain jurisdictions or may be subject to specific statutory provisions.

Volenti non fit injuria provides a defence to a defendant in tort cases when the plaintiff knowingly and willingly exposed themselves to a known risk and subsequently suffers harm as a result.
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