vim vi repellere licet

Latin

Etymology

From the Digest of Justitian (6th century), the principle of self-defense in Roman law.

Pronunciation

• (Classical Latin) IPA^(key): /u̯im u̯iː reˈpel.le.re ˈli.ket/, [u̯ɪ̃ˑ u̯iː rɛˈpɛlːʲɛrɛ ˈlʲɪkɛt̪]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /vim vi reˈpel.le.re ˈli.t͡ʃet/, [vim viː reˈpɛlːere ˈliːt͡ʃet̪]

Phrase

vim vī repellere licet

1. (law) It is permitted to repel force with force.